Brazil remained in first place when FIFA's latest world rankings were released on Friday while Portugal's rise back into the top 10 ensured they will be seeded for their forthcoming World Cup playoff.

Just three ranking points separate Brazil from second-placed Spain while the Netherlands, Italy and Germany complete an unchanged top five.

Portugal, France (9th), Russia (12th) and Greece (16th) will be kept apart in Monday's draw for the two-legged European World Cup playoffs. Those four will face either Ukraine (22nd), Ireland (34th), Bosnia (42nd) or Slovenia (49th).

Uruguay, who are ranked 25th, also face a playoff to reach the World Cup finals after they lost their final qualifying game at home to Argentina on Wednesday.

Despite struggling to gain automatic entry into next year's tournament in South Africa, Diego Maradona's Argentina have risen two places to sixth in the rankings.

Hosts South Africa languish in 85th place with Cameroon the highest African nation at 14th.

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