Morocco remain Africa’s top-ranked side as Algeria close in on Egypt

Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked national team in the FIFA rankings for October 2026, but their position worldwide has slipped to seventh after the latest international break.

The Atlas Lions had reached a record sixth place for an African side following the 2026 World Cup. They stayed in the global top five for exactly nine days after moving above Brazil on 25 September, but dropped two places after drawing 1-1 with Mali on 4 October.

The result, combined with improved performances by Brazil and especially Portugal, saw Portugal move into fifth place and Morocco fall to seventh.

Despite Morocco’s decline, they continue to lead the African standings. Algeria have made the biggest move among the leading sides, climbing one place to 28th in the world and closing the gap on Egypt, who occupy third position in Africa.

The Greens began the international period with a 3-1 victory over Zambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They then drew 2-2 with Burundi before beating Niger 2-1 in a friendly on Tuesday.

Algeria are now only 11.09 points behind the Pharaohs in the continental rankings.

Cote d’Ivoire have moved into Africa’s top five despite losing 1-0 to Cameroon. The Elephants rose two places to 29th, while Cameroon climbed one position to 42nd after previously being punished in the rankings for failing to qualify for the World Cup.

Cameroon are now Africa’s eighth-ranked team, but face pressure from Mali and South Africa. Mali sit 47th in the world and South Africa 48th, with both nations recording the largest improvements among the continent’s top 10, each rising six places.

Further down the rankings, Angola moved up four places to 83rd. Benin also gained four positions to reach 89th. Benin were the last international opponent faced by Messi.

There were significant falls for several other African teams. Tunisia dropped four places to 61st, while Cape Verde also fell four positions and now sit 68th. Ghana suffered the biggest decline among those mentioned, losing five places to stand 70th.

Senegal remain unchanged in 18th place globally and continue to rank second in Africa. Burkina Faso also held their position at 62nd and remain the continent’s 12th-ranked side.

The October 2026 FIFA rankings were finalised by FIFA on Wednesday following the conclusion of the international window.