FIFA rankings: Fouzi Lekjaa warns France, the new leader

Morocco’s football chief Fouzi Lekjaa has warned France after the Atlas Lions’ continued rise in the FIFA rankings brought them closer to the top spot than ever before.

The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) issued the message as France moved into first place in the global standings, with Morocco now firmly among the leading nations in world football.

Currently ranked eighth, Morocco have narrowed the gap on the teams above them following a series of recent results.

A 1-1 draw against Ecuador and a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, achieved within a two-week period, have helped strengthen their position.

The North African side now sit just two points behind the Netherlands, who occupy seventh place.

Brazil, ranked sixth, and Portugal in fifth are also within reach, underlining the rapid progress made by the Atlas Lions in recent years.

Morocco’s rise has already marked a historic milestone.

No African nation had previously reached eighth place in the FIFA rankings, placing the current squad in uncharted territory for the continent.

The team’s ambitions, however, extend beyond their current standing.

The ultimate objective is to reach the number one position, a feat that has never been achieved by an African country.

Speaking during a press conference attended by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo, Lekjaa made clear that Morocco intends to challenge for the summit.

“I congratulate Mr. Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, on France’s first place in the FIFA rankings. We won’t take long here in Morocco to compete and aim for that place (laughs).”

The remarks were delivered at an event linked to the Morocco 2030 Foundation, where both officials were present.

While the tone carried a sense of humour, the message reflected Morocco’s growing confidence on the international stage.

For Morocco to reach the top, several established football powers remain ahead of them.

After closing in on the Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal, they would still need to surpass England, currently fourth, before challenging the leading trio, which includes Argentina and Spain alongside France.

The team’s recent progress has been supported by consistent performances and a steady accumulation of points, allowing them to close the gap on higher-ranked nations.

Their ability to compete with teams from different continents has further strengthened their case as emerging contenders.

Morocco’s trajectory in the rankings also reflects broader developments within the country’s football structure.

Increased competitiveness and improved results at international level have contributed to their upward movement.

The warning directed at France highlights the shift in perception surrounding African football.

Morocco’s position among the world’s top teams demonstrates that the gap between continents is narrowing, with the Atlas Lions now seen as genuine challengers.

While reaching the top of the rankings remains a significant challenge, the current standings suggest that Morocco are moving closer to that objective.

Each result carries added importance as they attempt to build on their momentum.

For now, France remain the benchmark as the world’s leading team, but Morocco’s rise has ensured that the race for the top is becoming increasingly competitive.

The coming months will determine whether the Atlas Lions can continue their ascent and turn ambition into reality.

🎙️Fouzi Lekjaa à la réunion avec le président de la FFF 🇲🇦🇫🇷 :

« Je tiens à féliciter la France pour son classement FIFA : elle est numéro 1 mondiale.

Mais le Maroc ne mettra pas beaucoup de temps à 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗥 et à 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘̀𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘. » 😁 pic.twitter.com/sJh6JrzUyW

— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) April 2, 2026