FIFA confirms 8 top-seeded teams in WC draw

Zurich - FIFA has confirmed the seven highest-ranked nations joining hosts Russia as the top-seeded teams in the 2018 World Cup finals draw.

France rises one place to No. 7 to edge out Spain, as defending champions Germany heads an unchanged top six.

After a busy qualifying program last week, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium and Poland are also top-seeded for the December 1 draw in Moscow.

FIFA uses October rankings to decide all four seeding pots despite nine places in the 32-team World Cup finals line-up to be decided in November.

Russia is top-seeded for the World Cup despite being ranked No. 65.

Chile at No. 9 is the highest-ranked team who failed to qualify for the sporting showpiece.

Mexico at No. 16 heads the CONCACAF teams. The eliminated United States is No. 27.

Tunisia at No. 28 is Africa's best, and No. 34 Iran leads Asia.