Nepal slips four steps down in FIFA ranking

European champion Spain remained atop the latest FIFA rankings published on Wednesday by soccer´s world governing body while Nepal slid four places. Spain held the No 1 spot for the 11th consecutive month, ahead of Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and Italy. Argentina, England, Croatia, Russia, France and Portugal are also among the top 10. There is no change in the top 39 places, partly because of the the fact that only 22 international matches have been played worldwide since the last world ranking came out.

Nepal slid four places from 169 to 173. Pakistan, previously ranked 177th, climbed 10 places to 167 to go past Nepal. At No 173, Nepal is sandwiched between Laos and Bangladesh. Nepal, ranked fifth among South Asian nations, is behind the leaders India (146), Maldives (149), Sri Lanka (162) and Pakistan. However, neighbors Bangladesh (174), Afghanistan (183) and Bhutan (194) are the teams that trail Nepal.

Six countries, including Papua New Guinea and San Marino, were tied for the last 202nd position. The next FIFA ranking will be published on June 3.