Bafana jump in FIFA rankings

Zurich - Bafana Bafana have jumped seven spots from No 46 to move to 39 in the latest FIFA rankings while Soccer World Cup winner Spain have stayed on top and the previous two champions, Brazil and Italy, have risen in the top 10.

Spain leads longtime No 2 the Netherlands with Brazil climbing two places to No 3.

Germany and Argentina follow in fourth and fifth as each fell one spot.

Italy ends a seven-month exile from the top 10. It rises two places to No 9 following wins against Slovenia and Ukraine last month.

Asian champion Japan continues its surge since the World Cup, rising two to No 13.

Ghana is Africa's best, up one to No 15.

The United States leads CONCACAF teams at No 22 despite falling for the second straight month.

FIFA rankings for April (March position in parentheses):

1. Spain (1).

2. Netherlands (2).

3. Brazil (5).

4. Germany (3).

5. Argentina (4).

6. England (6).

7. Uruguay (7).

8. Portugal (9).

9. Italy (11).

10. Croatia (8).

11. Norway (11).

12. Greece (10).

13. Japan (15).

14. Chile (14).

15. Ghana (16).

16. Serbia (20).

17. Slovenia (17).

18. Russia (13).

19. France (18).

20. Australia (21).