Germans No.1 as draw nears

GERMANY are back atop the world rankings, taking over from Brazil, in changes that will have a greater role deciding World Cup groups.

FIFA announced a tweak to the World Cup seeding process yesterday that means all four draw pots will be decided according to rankings.

Past draws have been made by geographical region after the host and seven highest-ranked filled a topseeded pot. Hosts Russia – currently No.64 – and teams ranked No.1-7 in the October rankings will be seeded.