Spain's successful defence of the European Championship finals extended the World Cup winner's lead on top of the FIFA world soccer rankings on Wednesday, and beaten finalists Italy climbed six places to No.6.
The surge in points for European teams pushed Brazil down six places to No.11 - their worst position since the rankings began in 1993. The 2014 World Cup hosts are hurt by not playing any competitive matches recently.
Germany, who lost a semi-final to Italy, climbed one to second place, edging South American champions Uruguay into third.
England rose two places to No.4 despite failing to reach the semi-finals of every major tournament since 1996. The rankings weigh all results, including friendlies, over a four-year cycle.
Portugal's run to the Euro 2012 semi-finals lifted them five places to No.5.
Argentina held at No.7, and the Netherlands dropped four to No.8, after the World Cup runners-up lost all three matches at Euro 2012
Croatia and Denmark completed the top 10.
The Socceroos rose one place to No.23.
Ivory Coast held its place at No.16 to be the highest-ranked African team.
Mexico stayed at No.19 to lead CONCACAF team.
Japan are the best Asian confederation member, rising one to No.20.
New Zealand climbed five to No.95 as the best Oceania team, though new Oceania Nations Cup champions Tahiti surged 41 places to No.138.
A total of 133 matches counted for ranking points in the past month, including 31 at Euro 2012, 60 World Cup qualifiers and 15 qualifiers for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
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