Morocco have scaled a new peak in world football. On January 19, 2026, FIFA released its first men’s world rankings of the year, and the Atlas Lions broke into 8th place — their highest position ever. It comes just days after their AFCON 2025 heartbreak as hosts, a reminder that progress can be measured in more than trophies.

The leap is a milestone for Moroccan football and for Africa. Morocco rise three spots, bank an extra 20.23 ranking points (to 1736.57), and return to the top 10 for the first time since April 1998. The achievement lands in a cycle where the team has become a consistent force across global and continental stages.

FIFA’s own summary captured the mood: “Despite suffering heartbreak in the final, hosts Morocco (8th, up 3) can take comfort from returning to the top 10 for the first time since April 1998, reaching their best-ever position.” The message is clear: the bigger picture is trending up.

Why 8th Place Matters for Morocco

This ranking is not a one-off. It reflects years of steady work, tactical identity, and depth. Morocco did not just impress at AFCON; they built on the momentum of major tournament runs and high-level friendlies. They’ve shown they can handle pressure at home and on neutral ground.

There’s history here too. Morocco’s previous best was 10th, way back in 1998. Breaking that ceiling in 2026, after hosting AFCON and falling just short in the final, signals durability. The Atlas Lions are not a Cinderella story — they’re part of the world’s elite.

“The loss stung, but 8th shows Morocco are built to last.”

AFCON’s Ripple Effect: Africa’s Surge in the Rankings

AFCON 2025, staged from December into January, was the big driver behind this reshuffle. Champions Senegal shot up to 12th, one of the standout climbs of the month. Morocco, the runners-up, made the top 10 for the first time in almost three decades. And the impact spread beyond the finalists.

Nigeria jumped 12 places to 26th. Cameroon also leapt 12 spots to 45th. In total, Africa now has nine teams inside the world’s top 50, a strong signal of how competitive CAF has become. The tournament’s high-stakes games and quality opposition provided valuable ranking points, especially for teams that went deep.

Morocco remain Africa’s best-ranked side, ahead of Senegal at 12. The pair’s rise tracks with a wider trend: African teams are earning respect in both tournament play and ranking math.

“AFCON is finally moving the needle in FIFA math.”

The Global Picture: Spain Stay Top, Morocco Crash the Top 10

The top three remain steady: Spain lead with 1877.18 points, followed by Argentina (1873.33) and France (1870). England hold fourth (1834.12), with Brazil (1760.46) and Portugal (1760.38) almost neck-and-neck in fifth and sixth. The Netherlands are seventh.

Morocco’s arrival in eighth (1736.57) pushes Belgium (1724.15) to ninth, while Germany sit tenth (1716.88). Belgium and Germany each drop a place, but the main headline is Morocco’s climb and the balance at the top, where the margins between positions are tight.

Here’s the new top 10 in full:

• 1. Spain – 1877.18 points
• 2. Argentina – 1873.33
• 3. France – 1870.00
• 4. England – 1834.12
• 5. Brazil – 1760.46
• 6. Portugal – 1760.38
• 7. Netherlands – 1756.27
• 8. Morocco – 1736.57 (up 3; +20.23)
• 9. Belgium – 1724.15 (down 1)
• 10. Germany – 1716.88 (down 1)

Just outside, Croatia slip one place to 11th. AFCON winners Senegal rise to 12th (1706.83), with Italy at 13th and Colombia 14th (both down one). The United States hold 15th (1675.75), and Mexico are 16th.

How Morocco Got Here — and How They Stay

Ranking points reward results and the weight of the opponent and match type. So, deep runs in major events like AFCON move the needle. Morocco’s consistency against strong opposition is now reflected in black-and-white numbers. The next test is staying there.

Top-10 status draws tougher friendlies, stronger tournament seeds, and higher expectations. That can be a blessing and a burden. Keep winning and the ranking can stabilize; stumble, and it can slide fast. For now, Morocco have earned the right to be mentioned alongside the game’s traditional powers.

“Stay in the top 10, and Morocco start every match with aura.”

Wider Notes: Movers, Basements, and Benchmarks

The January list also underscores how competitive international football has become. Nigeria’s and Cameroon’s double-digit jumps show how one strong tournament can reset a year’s outlook. For CAF, nine teams in the top 50 offers proof of depth across the continent.

At the other end, San Marino remain 210th, and Eritrea are unranked. These markers help show the full range of national team football: from historic highs like Morocco’s to programs still finding their way.

What It Means Right Now

Two truths can live side by side: Morocco lost a final, and Morocco made history. The first hurts. The second lasts. FIFA’s January 2026 rankings formally place the Atlas Lions among the world’s top eight sides, and Africa with two teams inside the top dozen. It is a snapshot of form, but also a story of structure and belief.

There will be more tests ahead this year. But on this ranking day, Morocco have earned their applause. Eighth place is a number. It is also a statement.