France top world soccer rankings

France ushered in World Cup year by retaining their lead at the top of the latest FIFA world rankings.

The world champions, who will defend their crown at the finals in South Korea and Japan, have an 11-point advantage over second-placed Argentina in the world governing body's standings.

Brazil stay third and Portugal maintained fourth position after a month of inactivity for the top teams left the first 30 positions unchanged.

Three-times world champions Italy and Germany are sixth and 12th respectively, while England, who face Argentina in group F of the World Cup finals, are 10th.

Hosts South Korea are 42nd and Japan stay 35th.

China, who have qualified for their first ever finals, fall a place to 55th in the list.

Poland, in group D of the finals, moved up two places to 31st.

The World Cup finals begin on May 31.