Egypt's players pray as they celebrate after Ahmed Hassan "Koka" scored a goal during their 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Chad at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium" in Alexandria, November 17, 2015. (Reuters)
Egypt have dropped one position to 20 in the FIFA global football rankings published on 1 June, after placing 19 last month.
The Pharaohs, who were ranked in the global top ten in 2010 during their golden era after three successive Africa Cup of Nations wins (2006, 2008 and 2010), have changed places with Costa Rica in FIFA's June ranking.
Egypt, who are currently out of action since they strolled to a 3-0 friendly win over Togo in March, will play their next competitive game against Tunisia this June in their opening Group J clash of the 2019 Nations Cup qualifiers. The group also includes Niger and Swaziland.
Egypt is still leading the continent in global rankings, ahead of Senegal (27), Cameroon (32), Nigeria (38) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (39).
They have also kept their lead among Arab countries, above Tunisia (41), Algeria (53), Saudi Arabia (53) and Morocco (56).
Brazil kept their place in the lead of the global ranking after changing places with Argentina in April.
New Zealand were the best mover this month, jumping 17 positions to rank 95th, while Mauritania made the worst move, dropping 13 places to 104th.
FIFA world rankings (May position in parentheses)
1. Brazil (1)
2. Argentina (2)
3. Germany (3)
4. Chile (4)
5. Colombia (5)
6. France (6)
7. Belgium (7)
8. Portugal (8)
9. Switzerland (9)
10. Spain (10)
Top 10 African teams:
20. Egypt (19)
27. Senegal (30)
32. Cameroon (33)
38. Nigeria (40)
39. DR Congo (41)
41. Tunisia (42)
41. Burkina Faso (35)
47. Ivory Coast (48)
49. Ghana (45)
53. Algeria (54)
Top five Arab teams:
20. Egypt (19)
41. Tunisia (42)
53. Algeria (54)
53. Saudi Arabia (52)
56. Morocco (53)
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