Morocco have reached a historic high in the FIFA men’s world rankings, climbing to eighth place despite losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal, who also recorded a significant rise in the latest standings released on Monday.
The Atlas Lions were beaten 1–0 after extra time in Sunday’s final in Rabat, a dramatic contest that saw the hosts miss a decisive opportunity to win the title in regulation time. Brahim Díaz failed to convert a stoppage-time penalty after a prolonged delay caused by Senegalese players temporarily leaving the pitch in protest at the decision.
Despite the defeat, Morocco moved up three places to eighth, the highest ranking in the country’s history. Their previous best was 10th, achieved in April 1998. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists continue to cement their place among the world’s elite.
Champions Senegal enjoyed an even bigger boost, jumping seven places to 12th, their highest-ever FIFA ranking. Their previous peak was 17th in 2024, and the Lions of Teranga have now won two AFCON titles in the last three editions.
Historically, the best ranking by an African nation remains Nigeria’s fifth place in April 1994, while Egypt hold the highest ranking achieved by an Arab nation after reaching ninth in July 2010.
AFCON results triggered major movement across the continent. Bronze medallists Nigeria were the biggest point gainers, collecting 79.09 points to surge 12 places to 26th, matching Cameroon, who also climbed 12 spots to 45th. Egypt’s semi-final run lifted them four places to 31st, three positions behind Algeria.
At the other end of the scale, Zimbabwe endured a difficult update, dropping three places to an all-time low in the latest FIFA rankings, underlining the impact of their AFCON campaign on their global standing.
Meanwhile, Gabon suffered the largest points loss, shedding 44.97 points after a group-stage exit to fall to 86th, while Equatorial Guinea recorded the steepest positional drop, sliding 10 places to 107th.
Outside Africa, there was no movement at the summit. Spain retained top spot ahead of Argentina, with France, England, Brazil, Portugal and Netherlands completing an unchanged top seven.