Egypt has unexpectedly kept its place in this month's FIFA world rankings, remaining at number 36. This suprised some as the Pharaohs haven't played any matches since their 1-0 defeat in the African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa last month.

The African Cup of Nations (AC) champions remain third among African teams, as Ghana (15) and Cote d'Ivoire (21) still lead in the same places.

The pharaohs' rivals in 2012 ACN qualifiers, South Africa are ranked 38 in the world -- their highest position since the calculation system was revamped five years ago by the Zurich-based world football governing body.

After a series of disappointing results, the Pharaohs have continued to fall in rank, having once been in the top ten.

Despite recent lapses, Egypt is still the leading Arab football nation, with the top five the same as in April despite both Algeria (to 41) and Morocco (to 72) losing one place in global rankings.

Spain stayed top of the FIFA rankings on Wednesday and the other positions in the top ten also remained unchanged.

Afghanistan reached their highest-ever position and Japan, in 14th place, is the top Asian side.

Six teams share the 202nd -- and last -- place: Andorra, San Marino, Anguilla, Montserrat, American Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Next rankings scheduled for release on 29 June

FIFA rankings for May (April position in parentheses):
1. Spain (1)
2. Netherlands (2)
3. Brazil (3)
4. Germany (4)
5. Argentina (5)
6. England (6)
7. Uruguay (7)
8. Portugal (8)
9. Italy (9)
10. Croatia (10)

Top 5 African teams:
15. Ghana (15)
21. Cote d'Ivoire (21)
36. Egypt (36)
39. Nigeria (38)
38. South Africa (39)

Top 5 Arab teams:
36. Egypt (36)
41. Algeria (40)
58. Libya (58)
61. Tunisia (61)
72. Morocco (73)