FIFA ranking: Morocco rise to 5th in the world

The Atlas Lions take advantage of Brazil’s draw with Australia to provisionally break into the world’s top five

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FIFA ranking: Morocco rise to 5th in the world

Morocco have reached 5th place in the live FIFA ranking, equalling the highest position ever occupied by an African national team.

Morocco continue to push their limits in the FIFA ranking. Following Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Australia this Friday, September 25, the Atlas Lions have provisionally climbed to 5th place in the world in the live ranking. They now have approximately 1,803.99 points, compared with 1,802.92 for the Seleção.

This rise allows Morocco to overtake Brazil and also move ahead of Portugal. It nevertheless remains provisional: FIFA specifies that the live ranking remains unofficial until all international A matches have been validated. The next official update is scheduled for October 7, 2026.

Morocco equal a 32-year-old African record

This 5th-place ranking has historic significance. Morocco join Nigeria, the only other African national team to have reached this position in the FIFA ranking. The Super Eagles occupied 5th place in April 1994, which had until now been the highest ranking ever achieved by a nation from the continent.

For the Atlas Lions, the rise has been spectacular. Last January, after AFCON 2025, Morocco had already reached a historic 8th place. Their run to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup subsequently consolidated their position among the world’s best national teams.

Three matches on the schedule during this international break

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will now have to defend this new status on the pitch. Morocco will first host Gabon this Friday, September 25, in Rabat on the opening matchday of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Four days later, the Atlas Lions will travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to face Lesotho on September 29. They will then conclude this international window with a friendly against Ghana on October 4 in Tangier. The friendly had been officially confirmed in mid-September.

Also read: 2027 AFCON qualifiers: the full schedule for this Friday