Zurich  - South American champions Brazil top the September football rankings issued by the sport's controlling body FIFA on Wednesday.

Second-placed Spain, whom the Brazilians toppled from the top space by virtue of winning the Confederations Cup, are gaining ground on the Selecao and have distanced themselves from the third-placed Dutch.

Germany and Italy are joint fourth.

In a statement issued by FIFA the organization said that the highest movers this month included Gold Cup winners Mexico, who moved six placed to 24th, Norway (43rd, up 7) Congo (79th, up 10), Angola (92nd, up 10) and Kyrgyzstan (143rd, up 17).

"Australia (14th, up 2), Benin (78th, up 5) and Montenegro (89th, up 7) are all currently in their highest-ever position," Fifa said.

The rankings were compiled on the basis of eight World Cup qualifiers and 62 international friendly matches. (dpa)