TEHRANTIMES - Iran dropped five places to 50th in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Wednesday.

Iran is fourth in Asia with 581 points. Japan remains on top among the Asian teams with 829 points, followed by Australia (807) and South Korea (740).

Spain's successful defense of the European Championship extended its lead atop FIFA's world rankings, and runner-up Italy climbed six places to No. 6.

The surge in points for European teams dropped Brazil six places to No.11, its worst position since the rankings began in 1993. The 2014 World Cup host was hurt by not playing any competitive matches recently, according to AP.

Germany, which lost a semifinal to Italy, climbed one spot to second, edging South American champion Uruguay into third.

England rose two places to No. 4 despite failing to reach the semifinals at any major tournament since 1996. The rankings weigh all results, including exhibitions, over a four-year cycle.

Portugal's run to the Euro 2012 semifinals lifted it five places to No. 5.

Argentina held at No. 7, and the Netherlands dropped four to No. 8, after the World Cup runner-up lost all three of its matches at Euro 2012.

Croatia and Denmark completed the top 10.

Ivory Coast held its place at No. 16 to be the highest ranked African team.

Mexico stayed at No. 19 to lead the CONCACAF region that includes the U.S.

New Zealand climbed five to No. 95 as the best Oceania team, though new Oceania Nations Cup champion Tahiti surged 41 places to No. 138.