Morocco climbs to 11th spot in FIFA rankings, nears historic top 10

Morocco’s national football team has moved up one place to 11th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, released Thursday, edging closer to its best-ever position of 10th, achieved in November 1998.

According to FIFA, the Atlas Lions earned the promotion after winning eight of their last nine matches since the previous rankings update in July.

The team’s strong form includes two decisive victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers: a 5–0 win over Niger in Rabat and a 2–0 away victory against Zambia in Ndola.

With these results, Morocco has secured its spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the country’s third consecutive qualification and seventh overall appearance at the global tournament.

Morocco’s success extends beyond the senior squad. The national team of locally-based players claimed the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, held across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, further solidifying the country’s dominance in African football.

On the continental stage, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked team, ahead of Senegal (18th), Egypt (35th), Algeria (38th), and Côte d’Ivoire (44th).

Morocco is scheduled to play two more matches before the next FIFA rankings are released on October 23: a final World Cup qualifier against Congo, and a friendly match against an Asian nation.