Morocco climb back to fifth in FIFA rankings after Portugal defeat

Morocco have moved back up to fifth in the world after Portugal’s heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark on Saturday, 14 November 2026.

The Atlas Lions had regained sixth place after Brazil lost 3-2 to Japan, but Portugal’s defeat allowed them to climb another position. Morocco have now occupied fifth place several times during 2026.

Morocco have 1,805.34 points and move ahead of Portugal, who have dropped to seventh with 1,797.60 points. Portugal lost 10.09 points following their defeat by Denmark, enabling Morocco to rise by two places within a few hours.

The latest change in the FIFA rankings follows setbacks for both of Morocco’s main rivals. Brazil had been fifth before their loss to Japan, which allowed Morocco to move up one place. Portugal’s defeat later on Saturday then completed the Atlas Lions’ return to fifth.

The rise also comes a day after Morocco produced an impressive performance in their own match. On Friday, 13 November, they beat Niger 5-1 at the Complexe Mohammed V in Casablanca in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

That result extended the positive momentum around the Moroccan national team and was followed by further gains in the rankings as the results involving Brazil and Portugal worked in their favour.

Morocco’s third return to fifth in 2026

This is not the first time Morocco have reached fifth in the world this year. They initially climbed to that position on 20 June, after beating Scotland 1-0 in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

The Moroccan side returned to fifth on 25 September, this time benefiting from Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Australia.

Their latest rise means Morocco have once again established themselves among the world’s top five teams. With 1,805.34 points, they sit above Portugal and continue to consolidate their position near the summit of the FIFA rankings.