Australia have leap-frogged 13 teams to reach No.16 in the football world rankings, their highest spot since FIFA began its ladder in 1993.

Further up, Brazil ended Spain's year at the top of the rankings, rewarded for their comeback win over the United States in the Confederations Cup final.

Brazil rose four spots to reach the top - released on Wednesday - for the first time since August 2007.

European champions Spain, upset by the US in the semi-final last week, slipped to second.

Netherlands fell back to third, Italy stayed fourth and Germany slipped two places to fifth.

Russia, England, Argentina, France and Croatia completed the top 10.

The US, beaten 3-2 by Brazil in a thrilling match on Sunday, rose two spots to No. 12.

But they were far from the biggest climber.

North Korea jumped 23 spots to No.83 after qualifying for a first World Cup since 1966.

Ivory Coast rose 20 places to become Africa's top team at No. 18.

SYDNEY AP