South Africa climb six places to 48th in latest FIFA world rankings

South Africa have risen six places to 48th in the latest FIFA world rankings, their highest position since August 2011.

Bafana Bafana’s improvement follows a strong run of results, including a 2-1 victory over Guinea, a 5-0 win against Eritrea and a 1-0 success in Egypt.

The latest update was published after the conclusion of the recent international break and reflects both the team’s results under Pitso Mosimane and the work carried out by former coach Hugo Broos.

Before losing to Egypt in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa had gone 26 consecutive matches unbeaten, excluding games decided by penalties. Their run then ended with a difficult period that included Cameroon eliminating them in the Round of 16.

Five of Broos’ 12 defeats during his five years in charge came in his final 10 matches. Those losses included a pre-World Cup friendly against Panama, the opening fixture against Mexico and a Round of 32 meeting with Canada.

South Africa’s qualification for the World Cup knockout stages was nevertheless described as a historic achievement. Broos chose to leave after that success, while Mosimane has taken charge of a talented generation with the potential to reach even greater heights.

Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked nation, holding seventh place overall. Senegal are next in 18th, followed by Egypt in 25th.

Algeria, in 28th, and Ivory Coast, in 29th, complete Africa’s top five. Nigeria are 30th, while DR Congo are 40th, Cameroon 42nd and Mali 47th.

The top 10 African teams in the latest FIFA world ranking are:

1. Morocco seventh overall 2. Senegal 18th 3. Egypt 25th 4. Algeria 28th 5. Ivory Coast 29th 6. Nigeria 30th 7. DR Congo 40th 8. Cameroon 42nd 9. Mali 47th 10. South Africa 48th

Spain remain top of the global rankings after winning the World Cup, with Argentina second and France third. England stay fourth, meaning the top four positions are unchanged.

Portugal have moved up two places to fifth after Jorge Jesus began his tenure with four wins, despite controversy involving superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Brazil and Morocco each dropped one position. Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the overall top 10.