Morocco have climbed three places in the latest FIFA rankings to eighth in the world and remains Africa’s top-ranked nation. It is the highest position ever achieved by the North African side, despite losing Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
African champions Senegal have also made significant progress, jumping seven places to 12th globally and second in Africa.
At the summit, Spain retain their status as the world’s top-ranked team, with reigning world champions Argentina in second place and France third.
Morocco’s rise has come at the expense of Croatia, who have dropped out of the top 10 to 11th, as well as Belgium (ninth, down one) and Germany (10th, down one).
AFCON bronze medallists Nigeria, now ranked 26th, and quarter-finalists Cameroon, now 45th, each surged an impressive 12 places. Other notable African climbers include Algeria (28th, up six), semi-finalists Egypt (31st, up four), dethroned holders Côte d’Ivoire (37th, up five), and DR Congo (48th, up eight).
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Chipolopolo remain 91st in the world and 19th in Africa after registering two draws and one defeat at the recently concluded AFCON.
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