Morocco have achieved a landmark moment in their football history after rising to eighth place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, their highest-ever position, despite suffering defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Atlas Lions’ impressive ascent in the global standings reflects their sustained consistency at international level, with strong performances across major tournaments outweighing the disappointment of their AFCON final loss. The ranking makes Morocco the highest-ranked African nation and places them firmly among the world’s elite footballing countries.
Morocco’s journey to the AFCON final showcased their tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and attacking efficiency, qualities that have become hallmarks of the national team under head coach Walid Regragui. Although Senegal emerged victorious in the final, Morocco’s overall campaign earned them valuable ranking points.
The ranking milestone is the latest reward for a golden era in Moroccan football, following their historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the competition. That achievement significantly boosted Morocco’s global standing and reputation.
FIFA’s ranking system considers match results, the importance of competitions, and the strength of opponents, factors that worked in Morocco’s favour despite the narrow AFCON setback. Victories over top-ranked opponents en route to the final played a key role in their rise.
Moroccan football officials and fans alike have welcomed the achievement, viewing it as a testament to long-term planning, strong domestic structures, and a growing pool of elite talent competing at Europe’s top clubs.
While the AFCON title narrowly eluded them, the historic eighth-place ranking serves as a powerful statement of Morocco’s growing influence on the world stage. Attention now turns to upcoming World Cup qualifiers and future continental competitions, where the Atlas Lions will aim to build on their momentum and continue redefining African football excellence.
