A Moroccan lineup
Morocco have climbed to a historic high of eighth in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, achieving their best-ever position despite falling short in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The Atlas Lions were edged out by Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, a dramatic contest that nearly swung in their favour at the death.
Morocco were awarded a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time, but the moment was clouded by controversy as Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest, delaying proceedings for around 14 minutes. When play resumed, Brahim Díaz failed to convert from the spot, sealing Morocco’s defeat.
Even so, the tournament proved a major boost for the hosts, who rose three places to eighth in the January rankings.
It marks the highest position in the nation’s history, surpassing their previous best of 10th achieved in April 1998. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists continue to cement their status among the world’s elite.
Historically, the highest ranking ever achieved by an African team remains Nigeria’s fifth place in April 1994, while Egypt hold the Arab world’s best ranking, having reached ninth in July 2010.
Champions Senegal were among the biggest beneficiaries of the latest update. The Teranga Lions, who lifted their second AFCON title in three editions, surged seven places to 12th — their highest-ever ranking, bettering their previous peak of 17th in 2024.
The impact of the Africa Cup of Nations was felt across the continent, with significant movement among African sides. Bronze medallists Nigeria were the biggest gainers in terms of points, adding 79.09 points to jump 12 places to 26th. Cameroon matched that rise in positions, climbing 12 spots to 45th.
Egypt, semi-finalists at the tournament, moved up four places to 31st, sitting just three spots behind regional rivals Algeria. In contrast, Gabon endured the heaviest points loss, shedding 44.97 points to drop to 86th, while Equatorial Guinea recorded the steepest fall in ranking positions, sliding 10 places to 107th.
At the top of the global standings, there was no change among the leading nations. European champions Spain retained first place, followed by World Cup holders Argentina. France remain third, with England, Brazil, Portugal and the Netherlands completing an unchanged top seven.
