PARIS: Brazil have returned to the top of FIFA's world rankings after an absence of almost two years on the strength of their Confederations Cup win in Sunday's final against the United States.

Dunga's side replace Spain after the Euro 2008 champions were beaten in the Confed Cup semi-finals to eventually finish third.

The Netherlands slip a place into third with Italy remaining fourth despite failing to make it past the first round of last month's World Cup warm-up in South Africa.

1. Brazil 1672 pts (+4 places)

2. Spain 1590 (-1)

3. The Netherlands 1379 (-1)

4. Italy 1229 (0)

5. Germany 1207 (-2)

6. Russia 1161 (+3)

7. England 1135 (-1)

8. Argentina 1091 (-1)

9. France 1082 (+1)

10. Croatia 1031 (-2)