Morocco Reach Record FIFA Ranking Despite AFCON Final Defeat as Senegal Climb to 12th
Morocco have reached the highest FIFA men’s world ranking in their history, climbing to eighth place in the latest standings released on Monday, despite losing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final to Senegal.
The Atlas Lions were beaten by Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat, but the hosts came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy after being awarded a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time. However, Brahim Díaz failed to convert the spot-kick after a lengthy delay of nearly 14 minutes, during which Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest against the decision.
Despite the defeat, Morocco moved up three places in the January FIFA rankings to eighth — their highest-ever position. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists had previously peaked at 10th in April 1998.
The best ranking ever achieved by an African nation remains Nigeria’s fifth place in April 1994, while Egypt hold the Arab world’s record, having reached ninth in July 2010.
AFCON champions Senegal were also rewarded for their impressive campaign, climbing seven places to 12th — their highest position to date. The Teranga Lions secured their second continental title in three editions, surpassing their previous best ranking of 17th, achieved in 2024.
The tournament had a significant impact on the rankings of African teams, with several nations experiencing major shifts. Bronze medallists Nigeria were among the biggest gainers, collecting 79.09 points to rise 12 places to 26th — a jump matched by Cameroon, who moved up to 45th.
Egypt, who reached the semi-finals, climbed four places to 31st, sitting three spots behind Algeria. In contrast, Gabon suffered the largest points loss, shedding 44.97 points after a group-stage exit to drop to 86th. Equatorial Guinea endured the steepest fall in position, sliding 10 places to 107th.
At the top of the global rankings, there was no change among the leading nations. European champions Spain retained first place, ahead of World Cup holders Argentina. France remain third, followed by England, Brazil, Portugal and the Netherlands, rounding out an unchanged top seven.
