Egypt have climbed nine positions to number 62 in FIFA's world football ranking for July.

The winners of a record seven African Nations Cup (CAN) trophies, once ranked in the global top ten, fell to their worst positions since the list was established in 1993 during the previous two months.

Egypt's ranking has been affected by a lack of competitive action after failing to qualify for the 2012 and 2013 African Cup of Nations, and the Port Said disaster – during which 72 Ahly fans died at a match with Masry – that lead to the postponement of the domestic league for over one year.

Under the helm of manager Bob Bradley, the Pharaohs are bidding for a spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They defeated Zimbabwe 4-2, two weeks before defeating Mozambique 1-0 on 16 June.

The Pharaohs are leading Group G of the World Cup qualifiers with 15 points, five ahead of second-placed Guinea. Mozambique holds third with two points, one point ahead of fourth place Zimbabwe.

Five-times world champions Brazil leapt back into the top 10 of the FIFA rankings after winning the Confederations Cup last month.

Spain stayed top, despite losing 3-0 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, while Germany remained second and Colombia climbed to third.

Top 10: (July's positions in parentheses)

1. Spain (1)

2. Germany (2)

3. Colombia(7)

4. Argentina (3)

5. Netherlands (9)

6. Italy (8)

7. Portugal (6)

8. Croatia (4)

 9. Brazil (22)

10. Belgium (12)

Top 12 African teams:

13. Ivory Coast (12)

 24. Ghana (22)

28. Mali (26)

34. Algeria (35)

35. Nigeria (28)

42. Burkina Faso

47. Tunisia (41)

59. South Africa (56)

60. Zambia (49)

61. Guinea (24)

62. Egypt (68)

Top 5 Arab teams:

 34. Algeria (35)

 47. Tunisia (41)

62. Egypt (68)

 70. Libya (65)

76. Jordan (73)

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