Egypt climbs 7 places in FIFA October rankings

Mahmoud Elassal , Thursday 20 Oct 2016

Egypt's win over Congo in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers raised the Pharaohs to 46 in FIFA's global rankings

Egypt
Egypt's national player Mahmoud Trezeguet (2R) celebrates with the teammates after scoring a goal in their friendly football match against Guinea at the Borg El-Arab stadium near Alexandria on August 30, 2016 (AFP)

Egypt climbed seven positions to 46 in the FIFA global football rankings published on 20 October, after placing 53rd last month.

The Pharaohs played their first big game in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Congo, beating the Diables Rouges 2-1 in Brazzaville. Looking to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990, they lead Group E with three points, two ahead of main challengers Ghana and minnows Uganda, who played out a 0-0 draw in Tamale.

The Pharaohs made it into the world's top 10 when they won three successive CAN trophies in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Egypt are sixth continentally and third among Arab countries after Algeria (35) and Tunisia (38).

Ivory Coast jumped three positions to 31 to lead African nations, while Senegal, who jumped seven places, are second ahead of Algeria and Tunisia.

Argentina are topping the world rankings while Germany became second and Brazil, who jumped one position, are third.

In other highlights from October, Montenegro was the best mover in this month's rankings, jumping 49 places, while Cyprus fell hardest, dropping 52 places.
 

FIFA world rankings (September position in parentheses):

1. Argentina (1)

2. Germany (3)

3. Brazil (4)

4. Belgium (2)

5. Colombia (6)

6. Chile (6)

7. France (8)

8. Portugal (9)

9. Uruguay (9)

10. Spain (11)

Top 10 African teams:

 31. Ivory Coast (31)

32. Senegal (39)

35. Algeria (35)

38. Tunisia (42)

45. Ghana (45)

46. Egypt (53)

49. DR Congo (51)

55. Congo (54)

58. Mali (55)

Top five Arab teams:

35. Algeria (35)

38. Tunisia (42)

46. Egypt (53)

54. Saudi Arabia (52)

60. Morocco (58)

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