Argentina & Brazil Get Top FIFA Billing

ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) - South American powers Argentina and Brazil have returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings on Wednesday with the United States holding station in 18th place.

Argentina has made a strong start to its World Cup qualifying campaign with victories over Chile and Venezuela in the past month, while Brazil recovered from a 0-0 draw against Colombia to rout Ecuador, 5-0. That was enough to oust Italy from the top spot after the World Cup holders saw the points rankings of some wins from 2006 devalued. There has been no let up on the field from the Azzurri, who have beaten Georgia in a Euro 2008 qualifier and South Africa in a friendly this past month.

The United States remains in 18th place, having ended an alarming five-game losing streak by beating Switzerland, 1-0, in Basel earlier this month. Bob Bradley's team finishes its 2007 schedule with a visit to South Africa in November. Canada has moved up three places to 51st despite not kicking a ball, taking advantage of major points losses for Peru, Australia and Saudi Arabia.