Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has released its latest men’s world rankings. As expected, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked nation, climbing to sixth place worldwide and strengthening its position as the continent’s leading football power.
The Atlas Lions were rewarded for their impressive World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the quarter-finals and secure notable victories against Portugal and the Netherlands. The rise confirms Morocco’s consistency at the highest level after dominating African football for more than three years.
Egypt returns to Africa’s top three
Behind Morocco, Senegal remains Africa’s second-ranked team despite dropping three places globally to 18th position following their elimination in the round of 32.
The biggest winner of the new ranking is Egypt. After reaching the World Cup round of 16, the Pharaohs moved up five places in the global ranking to 24th worldwide, reclaiming third place in Africa ahead of Nigeria.
The Super Eagles, who missed the World Cup, drop to fourth place on the continent while remaining 26th in the world.
Algeria under pressure as Côte d’Ivoire closes the gap
Algeria remains Africa’s fifth-best team but falls one place globally to 29th after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
The Fennecs are now under pressure from Côte d’Ivoire, who continue to climb. Thanks to their strong World Cup performances, including a victory over Ecuador and competitive displays against Germany and Norway, the Elephants rise two places to 31st worldwide, narrowing the gap with Algeria.
DR Congo and South Africa make significant progress
The latest FIFA update also rewards DR Congo and South Africa.
The Leopards climb five places to reach 41st in the world, becoming Africa’s seventh-ranked nation.
The Bafana Bafana make an even bigger jump, moving up six places to 54th worldwide and entering Africa’s top 10 after a historic qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tunisia suffer the biggest setback. Eliminated in the group stage after three defeats, the Carthage Eagles fall 12 places and drop out of Africa’s top 10.
Cape Verde continues historic rise
After a memorable first-ever World Cup appearance that ended with qualification for the round of 32, Cape Verde continues its upward trajectory.
The Blue Sharks move up three places to become Africa’s 13th-ranked nation and sit 64th worldwide, ahead of Ghana, who make a remarkable eight-place jump.
Burkina Faso, Guinea, Uganda, Zambia and Benin maintain their previous positions in the rankings.
Africa’s Top 15 in the FIFA Ranking
- 🇲🇦 Morocco – 6th worldwide
- 🇸🇳 Senegal – 18th worldwide
- 🇪🇬 Egypt – 24th worldwide
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria – 26th worldwide
- 🇩🇿 Algeria – 29th worldwide
- 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire – 31st worldwide
- 🇨🇩 DR Congo – 41st worldwide
- 🇿🇦 South Africa – 54th worldwide
- 🇨🇻 Cape Verde – 64th worldwide
- 🇬🇭 Ghana
- 🇹🇳 Tunisia
- 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
- 🇬🇳 Guinea
- 🇺🇬 Uganda
- 🇿🇲 Zambia
The latest ranking confirms the growing competitiveness of African football, with several nations making significant progress on the global stage after the historic 2026 World Cup.
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