Despite their triumph on the pitch, Senegal has seen a slight drop in the recently updated FIFA rankings. The Lions have fallen two places and now sit at 14th in the world. This decline may come as a surprise given their recent performances, but it stems from an administrative decision related to the AFCON final, which is still awaiting a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). On the continental level, Senegal maintains its 2nd position in Africa, behind Morocco, the strong African leader ranked 8th globally.
African champions on the field, Senegal, led by Pape Thiaw, had their points total impacted by a decision from the CAF appeals committee, which awarded a loss by forfeit in the final. This situation directly influenced the calculation of the FIFA rankings, now updated in real-time. This administrative setback contrasts sharply with the positive momentum displayed by the Lions during the last international break.
Indeed, Sadio Mané’s teammates shone on the green pitch with two convincing victories: a 2-0 win against Peru and a controlled 3-1 victory over Gambia. These results showcase the strength and consistency of the Senegalese team, which continues to perform at a high level despite the off-field turbulence.
On the African chessboard, Senegal remains firmly in second place. Morocco still dominates the continent, while Nigeria completes the African podium in 26th place globally. Behind them, several teams are either progressing or confirming their ranks. Algeria sits at 28th in the world, closely followed by Egypt at 29th. Ivory Coast is making a strong climb to 34th, while Tunisia rises to 44th, just ahead of Cameroon, which has seen a slight decline.
Further down the rankings, DR Congo continues its ascent, reaching 46th place globally, followed by Mali at 52nd. However, some nations qualified for the upcoming World Cup are facing tougher times. Cape Verde has dropped to 69th, while Ghana has fallen to 74th.
Globally, the hierarchy remains dominated by the football giants. France holds the top spot, followed by Spain, Argentina, and England. Despite this slight drop, Senegal confirms its status as a powerhouse in African football and remains a serious contender on the international stage.
