For the first time since FIFA started ranking teams in 1993, Argentina is No. 1.

Italy dropped to No. 2, one position ahead of Brazil, which had been No. 1 for 55 consecutive months before Azzurri claimed the top spot in February.

Argentina's move to the top was boosted by its 1-0 exhibition victory last month over World Cup runner-up France, which remained in fourth. Les Bleus were followed by Germany, England and the Netherlands, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Spain.

The United States dropped two places to No. 30, nine behind Mexico, the top-ranked team from the North and Central American and Caribbean region.

(Xinhua News Agency via Agencies March 16, 2007)