The Zebras have dropped 16 places down the latest FIFA rankings released on Wednesday. The drop comes just a month after the national team moved five places up the rankings. Currently, the Zebras are number 134 in the world and 38 in Africa.

FIFA says this is the national team's worst drop. In the last rankings, Zebras were placed at number 118 in the world and 33 in Africa. The fact that Zebras have been out of action for sometime could be a major reason behind the fall. The team failed to qualify for the last round of qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 0-0 draw against New Zealand in an international friendly last month did not help matters. The Zebras will get an opportunity to improve on their position when they take on Iran in an international friendly at the University of Botswana Stadium this Sunday.

In Africa, Ivory Coast was the best mover jumping 20 places up the rankings. The Ivorians are the top-rated team at position 18 in the world.

The second most improved team in Africa is Algeria who is making waves in the 2010 World Cup/AFCON qualifiers in a group that includes African champions, Egypt. Algeria moved up 19 places. The north Africans are number seven in Africa and 47 in the world. Gabon has also made significant strides up the rankings.

After moving 18 places up, they now find themselves ranked at number three in the continent and 30 in the world.

Brazil has regained top spot in the FIFA World rankings, relegating Spain to second position.

The Brazilians have improved their rankings after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. The South Americans last topped the ranking in August 2007. Brazil has occupied top spot six times in the history of the ranking.

The next FIFA World rankings will be released on August 5.