Morocco’s national football team has achieved a historic milestone by climbing to eighth place in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings released on January 16, 2026 the highest position ever attained by an African nation in the modern era. The Atlas Lions’ remarkable ascent follows a string of strong performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, impressive results in friendlies, and their continued dominance in African football.
Morocco now sits ahead of traditional powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Portugal, and Italy, and trails only Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Belgium, and Germany in the global standings. This achievement solidifies Morocco’s status as Africa’s top-ranked team and the continent’s leading contender for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Moroccan Football Federation hailed the ranking as a testament to years of strategic investment in youth development, professional leagues, and infrastructure. Fans and analysts celebrated the breakthrough on social media, with many calling it a defining moment for Moroccan and African football on the world stage.
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