Germany takes over at top of FIFA rankings from Brazil
ZURICH — Germany is back at the top of world soccer, taking over from Brazil as No. 1 in the FIFA rankings which will have a greater role deciding how the World Cup groups are drawn.
FIFA announced a tweak to the World Cup seeding process on Thursday that means all four draw pots will be decided according to rankings.
Past World Cup draws have been made by geographical region after the host and seven highest-ranked filled a top-seeded pot.
On Dec. 1 in Moscow, Russia — currently No. 64 — and the teams ranked Nos. 1 to 7 in the October rankings will be the top seeds. The other 24 qualifiers will be in draw pots according to ranking.