USA
FIFA Ranks U.S. Men Fourth in the World
April 19, 2006
The United States moved up one spot into fourth place in the latest FIFA world rankings, the Americans' highest ever position.
Oddly, the U.S. moved up in the April rankings despite losing to Germany and tying Jamaica recently.
The U.S. jumped ahead of Argentina in the latest rankings and is now two spots ahead of rival Mexico and in front of such powerhouses as Spain, France and England.
The Czech Republic, which plays its World Cup opener against the United States on June 12, remained second, followed by the Netherlands. At the World Cup, the United States also plays Italy, which dropped two spots to 14th, and Ghana, which stayed at No. 50.
The U.S. broke into the Top 10 for the first time in August of 2002, after their remarkable quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup, staying in the exclusive club until August of 2003. The U.S. has been no lower than 12th place since breaking the Top 10 barrier in 2002.
Defending champion Brazil maintained the top spot, which it has held since taking over from France in July 2002.
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