ZURICH Brazil stayed ahead of World Cup and European champions France at the top of FIFA's world rankings on Wednesday while Argentina moved into the top three for the first time.
Although France narrowed the gap on Brazil to 11 points they are unlikely to edge the South Americans out of first place.
The French already have a berth in the 2002 World Cup as holders and so will not play any point-building qualifiers.
Argentina take over third spot from the Czech Republic to reach the top three for the first time since the rankings were introduced in 1993.
Trindad and Tobago were the big movers in the top 30, jumping eight places to 29.
(Reuter)