The FIFA rankings are now continuously updated, and the international break in March had mixed consequences for Senegal and Morocco, both vying for the title of CAN 2025, currently contested in court. Here’s a look at the main developments.
Despite their victory on the field in the CAN 2025 final against Senegal — a decision recognized by FIFA — Morocco remains in 8th place in the world rankings. The Atlas Lions lost points after a draw against Ecuador (1-1), a lower-ranked team, before bouncing back with a win over Paraguay (2-1). They are now just two points behind the Netherlands, who sit in 7th.
On the other hand, Senegal has dropped two places, falling from 12th to 14th in the world rankings. This comes despite two victories against Peru (2-0) and Gambia (3-1). The drop is largely due to their loss on the field in the CAN 2025 final. The Teranga Lions remain firmly in 2nd place in Africa, with a comfortable lead over Nigeria, who are in 3rd.
Tunisia overtakes Cameroon
With a resounding victory against Guatemala (7-0) followed by a draw against Uruguay (0-0), Algeria gained more than three points this March. However, that wasn’t enough to improve their 28th place in the world. Egypt (29th) is dangerously close after a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a draw against Spain (0-0).
Further down, Ivory Coast (34th) and Tunisia (44th) each climbed three spots in the world rankings. The Elephants notably dominated South Korea (4-0) and Scotland (1-0), both World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, the Eagles of Carthage have now moved ahead of Cameroon in the African rankings, with the latter struggling after a mixed record of a loss to Australia and a win against China.
DR Congo rises, Ghana and Cape Verde fall
DR Congo (46th) gained two places thanks to their intercontinental playoff victory over Jamaica (1-0 after extra time), marking a historic qualification for the World Cup, their first in 52 years. Mali (52nd) also improved after their draw against Russia (0-0).
On the flip side, Cape Verde (69th) and Ghana (74th) each dropped two places after a tough month. The Blue Sharks were beaten by Chile (4-2) before drawing with Iceland (1-1), while Ghana is going through a rough patch, marked by losses to Austria (5-1) and Germany (2-1), leading to the sacking of their coach Otto Addo.
FIFA African Rankings (April 1, 2026)
- Morocco (8th in the world)
- Senegal (14th)
- Nigeria (26th)
- Algeria (28th)
- Egypt (29th)
- Ivory Coast (34th)
- Tunisia (44th)
- Cameroon (45th)
- DR Congo (46th)
- Mali (52nd)
- South Africa (60th)
- Burkina Faso (62nd)
- Cape Verde (69th)
- Ghana (74th)
- Guinea (80th)
- Gabon (87th)
- Uganda (88th)
- Angola (89th)
- Benin (90th)
- Zambia (92nd)
