ZURICH - The United States climbed to 13th in the FIFA rankings, its highest position since July 2010.
The Americans rose six places in the September rankings announced Thursday, which include Tuesday's 2-0 win over Mexico that clinched the seventh straight World Cup berth for the United States. The Americans had dropped to as low as 36th in July and August in 2012.
World and European champion Spain remained first for the 25th consecutive month, and Argentina rose two places to second after qualifying for its 11th consecutive World Cup.
Germany dropped to third, and Italy rose two places to fourth after securing its 14th consecutive berth. Colombia dropped two to fifth. Belgium, Uruguay, Brazil, the Netherlands and Croatia round out the top 10.
If the system used four years ago is retained by FIFA, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Italy, Spain and Uruguay would be the seeded teams for the World Cup draw on Dec. 6, if they all qualify.
Argentina, Italy and host Brazil already are assured spots in the 32-nation field.
The Netherlands, which also has clinched, would be unseeded if the 2009 draw system is retained. England, which has not yet qualified, is ranked 17th and also would be unseeded.