Out-of-action Egypt fell one spot to 25th place in the FIFA global rankings this month, although the drop has not affected their position as the top-ranked African team.
The Pharaohs’ last competitive game was against Tunisia in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June, when they lost 1-0 at Rades Stadium in Tunisia.
Egypt will face Uganda in the third round of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers on 31 August in Uganda.
Egypt, who were ranked in the global top ten in 2010 during their golden era after three successive Africa Cup of Nations wins (in 2006, 2008 and 2010), still dominate Africa in FIFA’s July ranking.
Egypt is three places ahead of Democratic Republic of the Congo (28), Senegal (31), Tunisia (34) and Cameroon (35).
They have also kept their lead among Arab countries, above Tunisia (34), Algeria (48), Saudi Arabia (59) and Morocco (60).
Brazil returned to the lead of the global ranking after the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup winner Germany replaced the Canarinho last month.
Namibia were the best mover in the rankings that were released on Thursday, jumping 20 positions to 136th place, while Curacao made the worst move, dropping 18 places to 86th.
FIFA world rankings (July position in parentheses)
1. Brazil (2)
2. Germany (1)
3. Argentina (3)
4. Switzerland (5)
5. Poland (6)
6. Portugal (5)
7. Chile (7)
8. Colombia (8)
9. Belgium (10)
10. France (9)
Top 10 African teams:
25. Egypt (24)
28. DR Congo (28)
31. Senegal (27)
34. Tunisia (34)
35. Cameroon (36)
38. Nigeria (39)
47. Burkina Faso (44)
48. Algeria (48)
50. Ghana (50)
54. Ivory Coast (56)
Top five Arab teams:
25. Egypt (24)
34. Tunisia (34)
48. Algeria (48)
59. Saudi Arabia (61)
60. Morocco (60)
Source: Ahram Online
