
Egypt's team players celebrate wining against Congo's team during their World Cup 2018 Africa qualifying match between Egypt and Congo at the Borg el-Arab stadium in Alexandria on October 8, 2017. (Photo: AFP)
After securing a place in the Russia 2018 World Cup, Egypt have kept their place in FIFA's monthly global football rankings published on Monday, remaining in 30th place.
The Pharaohs sealed their World Cup ticket with one match to spare in Group E after beating Congo 2-1 in a dramatic clash in Alexandria on 8 October, thanks to a brace from star winger Mohamed Salah including a stoppage-time penalty.
Egypt lost their lead among the African countries, placing second in the continental ranking behind Tunisia (28) and over Senegal (32) Democratic Republic of the Congo (35) and Nigeria (41).
They have also lost their lead among Arab countries to Tunisia (28), but they maintain their position above Morocco (48), Saudi Arabia (63) and Algeria (67).
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), will play Ghana on 12 November away from home in the final round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Egypt is now in the third class of the global rankings after placing 30th. This will help in the 2018 World Cup draw if they keep the same position next month, since one of the other teams in their group will be from the fourth class.
FIFA will hold the draw for the 2018 World Cup in December after finishing the final round of the qualifiers.
Germany kept their place in the lead of the global ranking.
FIFA world rankings (September positions in parentheses)
1. Germany (1)
2. Brazil (2)
3. Portugal (3)
4. Argentina (4)
5. Belgium (5)
6. Poland (6)
7. France (8)
8. Spain (11)
9. Chile (9)
10. Peru (12)
Top 10 African teams:
28. Tunisia (31)
30. Egypt (30)
32. Senegal (33)
35. DR Congo (42)
41. Nigeria (44)
42. Cameroon (45)
48. Morocco (56)
52. Ghana (52)
55. Burkina Faso (49)
61. Ivory Coast (68)
Top five Arab teams:
28. Tunisia (31)
30. Egypt (30)
48. Morocco (56)
63. Saudi Arabia (53)
67. Algeria (72)
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