We cannot make up that much space in the FIFA rankings in a half of a World Cup cycle to get a seed . In 2006 , we were ranked in the top 10 and , in all intents and purposes , were to be given a # 8 seed in the 2006 World Cup . In virtually the 11 th hour . Italy and another European country complained to FIFA , who were essentially run by UEFA , holding almost all of the executive spots that the seeding was unfair and didn ' t take into consideration World Cup play . So FIFA . with only 6 month to the WC and 1 month to the DRAW , revamped the FIFA ranking system to give Italy the # 8 seed . They had to go back to 1998 though , as by going back to 2002 , the US still had a better ranking . After the ' 06 WC , the FIFA ranking was again revamped . The same raft of scoundrel who did this , were the same who were all caught up in the FIFA scandal 9 years later . I case you were wondering why getting the # 8 and last seed for italy was so important ? Italy WON the 2006 World Cup . By the way , the only team they did not defeat on the way to the title , was the US team in Group play .