Bafana Bafana surge in FIFA rankings as Spain reclaim world No 1 spot

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have recorded their biggest leap in the FIFA world rankings for more than a decade, climbing six places to reach their highest position since 2015 – as newly crowned world champions Spain return to the top of the global standings.

Spain back on top after dominant World Cup win

FIFA released the latest rankings following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, where Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 in a largely one-sided final. The Argentines, champions in 2022, failed to register a single shot on target in the showpiece match.

The victory not only secured Spain a new world title but also propelled them back to number one in the FIFA rankings, dislodging Argentina, who now drop to second place.

France and England remain unchanged in third and fourth respectively. Brazil and Morocco have both moved up one place, underlining their continued strength on the global stage. Morocco, in particular, maintain a clear lead as Africa’s highest-ranked national team.

Portugal, who have slipped two positions, are now followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and co-hosts Mexico, with Mexico climbing four spots to complete the top 10.

Morocco still Africa’s benchmark as Senegal slip

Morocco’s rise consolidates their status as the continent’s standard-bearers, putting further distance between them and the rest of Africa in the standings.

Senegal retain second place among African nations but have dropped three positions overall to 18th in the world. Egypt, meanwhile, have enjoyed one of the most notable surges on the continent, jumping five places to 24th. That climb sees them overtake several rivals to become Africa’s third highest-ranked side.

Nigeria, who did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, remain in 26th place, while Algeria fall one position to 29th.

Bafana hit highest mark since 2015

The rest of Africa’s top 10 have all moved upwards. Ivory Coast have risen two spots to 31st, DR Congo have climbed five to 41st, and Cameroon have edged up one place to 43rd.

Mali have gained two positions to reach 53rd, with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana just behind them in 54th after a six-place jump. That ranking is Bafana’s best since January 2015, when they were placed 52nd in the world.

The latest reshuffle underlines a broader upward trend for several African sides, particularly Morocco, Egypt, DR Congo and South Africa, as they look to build on recent performances in global and continental competition.

Africa’s top 10 in latest FIFA rankings

Morocco remain far ahead as Africa’s top-ranked team, followed by:

– Senegal – Egypt – Nigeria – Algeria – Ivory Coast – DR Congo – Cameroon – Mali – South Africa (Bafana Bafana)

With Spain back at the summit of the world rankings and a cluster of African nations on the rise, attention will now turn to how these teams consolidate their positions ahead of the next cycle of World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments.