Russia fall to World Cup low in new FIFA rankings

ZURICH (AP):

Host nation Russia will kick off next week's World Cup as the lowest-ranked of the 32 teams in the tournament.

FIFA's monthly rankings has Russia dropping four places to No. 70, below Saudi Arabia at 67.

The two lowest-ranked teams open the World Cup at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow next Thursday.

Defending champions Germany will start No. 1, retaining their lead over Brazil, Belgium, Portugal, and Argentina in an unchanged top five. No. 10 Spain has dropped two places.

Chile, at No. 9, is ranked highest of the teams not at the World Cup. Non-qualifiers the Netherlands, Wales, and Italy are also in the top 20.

Mexico are the top CONCACAF nation at No. 15, while Tunisia are Africa's best at No. 21. No. 36 Australia are the best Asian confederation team.