Morocco rise to fifth in provisional FIFA rankings after big win against Niger

Morocco have climbed to fifth place in the provisional FIFA Men’s World Rankings after Portugal suffered a 4-1 defeat by Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, November 14.

The result allowed the Atlas Lions to move above Portugal in the live standings, marking another significant moment in their rise among the world’s leading national teams.

Morocco had initially climbed from seventh to sixth following their emphatic 5-1 victory over Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Friday, November 13.

Brazil’s 3-2 defeat by Japan in an international friendly also contributed to Morocco’s initial improvement before Portugal’s loss opened the door for another rise.

The North African side now occupy fifth position in the provisional rankings ahead of FIFA’s next official update.

Portugal suffer defeat in first match since Ronaldo’s retirement

Portugal’s defeat by Denmark came in their first official international appearance since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5.

The 41-year-old forward brought an end to his 23-year international career, having made 234 appearances and scored a record 146 goals for his country.

Saturday’s encounter also marked the first official match under head coach Jorge Jesus following Ronaldo’s departure from international football.

Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs wore a redesigned number seven shirt against Denmark, paying tribute to the iconic number associated with Ronaldo during his international career.

However, Portugal’s first outing in this new chapter ended in a 4-1 defeat, allowing Morocco to overtake them in the provisional FIFA standings.

Morocco match historic African ranking achievement

Morocco’s latest rise adds to an impressive period for the national team, which has established itself among the leading sides in world football.

The Atlas Lions reached fifth place in the official FIFA Men’s World Rankings in September 2026, matching the highest position ever achieved by an African national team.

Nigeria previously occupied the same position in April 1994.

Morocco’s rise has been driven by a series of impressive performances on the international stage, including their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and their quarter-final run at the 2026 tournament.

Their latest results during the November international break have provided another opportunity to strengthen their position among the world’s elite.

AFCON qualifier offers Morocco another opportunity

Morocco will return to action against Niger on Tuesday, November 17, in their next 2027 AFCON qualifying fixture.

The match presents another opportunity for the Atlas Lions to maintain their winning momentum and consolidate their position in the provisional world rankings.

FIFA is scheduled to release its next official Men’s World Ranking on November 18, 2026.

Until then, Morocco remain fifth in the provisional standings, continuing their impressive rise as one of Africa’s leading representatives in international football.