AFCON 2025: Morocco make history, Senegal leap in FIFA rankings

In Monday’s latest FIFA rankings update, several African nations took advantage of their strong performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to climb the rankings.

Despite finishing as runners-up, Morocco entered the top 10 and achieved a historic position.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations now over, it’s time to take stock of the statistics. That’s why FIFA updated its traditional football rankings on Monday.

And there are several notable lessons to be learned. While Spain remains firmly in first place worldwide, ahead of Argentina and France, one country has entered the Top 10: Morocco.

Organizers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and unfortunate finalists against Senegal on Sunday after a chaotic match lost in extra time (1-0), the Atlas Lions moved up three places to eighth, overtaking Croatia, Germany, and Belgium.

Morocco has never been so high in the rankings, with its best performance dating back to April 1998 when it reached 10th place. After their semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup, Walid Regragui’s men climbed to 11th place.

Senegal, Nigeria, and Algeria also climb.

The big winner of Sunday’s competition, Senegal remains the second-ranked African nation, climbing seven places to take 12th place, just ahead of Italy and Colombia. Once again, the Lions of Teranga have never been in such a good position in their history, having frequently been in the Top 20 over the past four years.

You then have to go down to 26th place to find the third African team in the rankings: Nigeria. Third in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles jump 12 places. Behind them, Algeria gains six places (28th), Egypt four (31st), Ivory Coast five (37th) and Cameroon 12 (45th).