U.S. drops to 31 in world soccer rankings

12:34 p.m.

ZURICH, Switzerland — For the first time in more than seven years, the United States is not ranked among the top 30 in soccer.

The U.S. team, ranked as high as fifth in May before a poor showing at the World Cup, fell two points to No. 31 in November’s FIFA rankings, released today. The last time the U.S. was not in the top 30 was June 1999, when it also was No. 31.

Brazil stayed No. 1, while Nigeria moved up to ninth place and Russia jumped 10 places to rank 23rd, its highest position since early 2003.

Brazil has 1,588 points; World Cup champion Italy is second with 1,560. Brazil has been ranked No. 1 since July 2002.

Italy’s 1-1 draw with Turkey in a Nov. 15 friendly in Turkey would have been enough for it to pull even with Brazil in ranking points — but the Brazilians increased their lead at the top by beating Switzerland 2-1 in a friendly the same night.

Argentina moved up to No. 3 with 1,551 points, swapping places with France (1,523).

England, Germany and the Netherlands remain at Nos. 5, 6 and 7, with Nigeria moving up two places from 11th and the Czech Republic falling two places to 10th.

Spain fell two places to 12th.