Egypt climb 3 positions up in FIFA ranking to secure 20th position

The Egyptian national team made it into the top 20 in FIFA’s monthly global rankings for March, announced Thursday, climbing three positions since February.

The Pharaohs, who were among the top ten in 2010 during their golden era following three successive Africa Cup of Nations wins (2006, 2008 and 2010), are advancing in world rankings after their 2017 tournament achievements.

Last month, Egypt finished runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Cameroon 2-1 in the finals. They played six games in the tournament, resulting in a goalless draw with Mali and three 1-0 wins over Uganda, Ghana and Morocco before beating Burkina Faso 4-3 on penalty shoots.

The North African country is still leading the continent in rankings, ahead of Senegal (28), Cameroon (32), Burkina Faso (36) and Tunisia (37).

Egypt’s achieved their highest rank in 2010 at ninth place, before sliding to their lowest in 2014 at 60th.

FIFA world rankings (January position in parentheses):
1. Argentina (1)
2. Brazil (2)
3. Germany (3)
4. Chile (4)
5. Belgium (5)
6. France (6)
7. Colombia (7)
8. Portugal (8)
9. Uruguay (9)
10. Spain (10)

Top 10 African teams:
20. Egypt (23)
28. Senegal (31)
32. Cameroon (33)
36. Burkina Faso (38)
37. Tunisia (36)