Morocco achieve record FIFA ranking despite AFCON defeat, Senegal rise to 12th

Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah January 20, 2026

Morocco have climbed to a record-high eighth place in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, despite their defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The hosts had a late chance to claim the title in Rabat, but Brahim Diaz missed a penalty after a lengthy delay caused by Senegal’s protest and walk-off.

The January rankings see Morocco rise three places, surpassing their previous best of 10th, achieved in April 1998.

Their ascent marks the highest ranking ever recorded by an African team, trailing only Nigeria’s fifth-place peak in April 1994 and Egypt’s ninth-place high among Arab nations in July 2010.

Senegal, crowned AFCON champions for the second time in three tournaments, also moved up significantly. The Lions of Teranga rose seven spots to 12th — their best-ever position, improving on 17th in 2024.

The AFCON tournament had a major influence on the continent’s rankings, with several teams shifting dramatically.

Nigeria, who finished third, gained the most points with 79.09, vaulting 12 places to 26th. Cameroon matched that rise, moving up to 45th.

Egypt, semi-finalists in the competition, climbed four places to 31st, just behind Algeria in 28th.

On the other end of the spectrum, Gabon suffered the biggest points loss, dropping 44.97 points to fall to 86th. Equatorial Guinea experienced the largest fall in position, sliding 10 places to 107th.

The global top seven remains unchanged, with Spain retaining the number one spot ahead of World Cup holders Argentina. France are third, followed by England, Brazil, Portugal and the Netherlands.

The top 20 African nations in the new rankings are: