ZURICH, Switzerland - Spain's successful defence of the European Championship extended the World Cup winner's lead atop the FIFA world rankings on Wednesday, and beaten finalist Italy climbed six places to No. 6.
The surge in points for European teams pushed Brazil down six place to No.11 and its worst position since the rankings began in 1993. The 2014 World Cup host is hurt by not playing any competitive matches recently.
Germany, which lost a semifinal to Italy, climbed one to second place, edging South American champion Uruguay into third.
Canada rose nine spots to 68th after posting a 0-0 draw with Honduras and beating Cuba 1-0 in World Cup qualifying. Canada also drew 0-0 with the U.S. in a friendly last month.
England rose two places to No. 4 despite failing to reach the semifinals 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 semifinals lifted it five places to No. 5.
