Spain still No. 1 in FIFA rankings

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ZURICH -- Spain will begin its defense of the European Championship as the world's top-ranked team, while the United States climbed a spot to 28th in FIFA's latest standings.

Germany lost its No. 2 slot to Uruguay, falling to No. 3 ahead of its Euro 2012 group opponent the Netherlands. Group B rival Portugal plummeted from fifth to 10th.

Brazil and England each rose one place to No. 5 and 6, respectively. Argentina climbed two to No. 7.

Croatia, which plays Spain in Group D, remained at No. 8.

Denmark rose one to No. 9, completing a Group B lineup of elite top-10 teams.

Ivory Coast leads African nations at No. 16.

Mexico heads CONCACAF countries, up one to No. 19.

Japan is now Asia's best, rising seven spots to No. 23. Australia is No. 24.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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