World Cup 2026: Morocco rise to seventh in FIFA Rankings ahead of tournament

Morocco have moved up to seventh place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, further cementing their status among world football’s elite ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions’ latest rise comes after an impressive run of results in recent friendly matches as they continue preparations for the global showpiece.

Atlas Lions Extend Lead in Africa

The latest rankings see Morocco increase their points tally to 1756.94, allowing them to retain their position as the highest-ranked team in Africa and the Arab world. The achievement underlines the consistency the national team has displayed in recent years and reflects their growing reputation on the international stage.

Morocco’s rise was aided by the Netherlands’ 1-0 defeat to Algeria, a result that saw the Dutch slip below the Atlas Lions in the standings. The move places Morocco in seventh position globally, making them the highest-ranked African nation ever recorded in FIFA’s rankings.

Strong Form Boosts World Cup Confidence

The ranking improvement follows a series of positive performances by the Atlas Lions in the lead-up to the World Cup. Among the standout results was a dominant 4-0 victory over Madagascar on Tuesday, a display that further strengthened confidence within the squad and among supporters.

With momentum on their side, Morocco are looking to carry their excellent form into the tournament as they seek another memorable World Cup campaign.

Final Test Before Brazil Showdown

Attention now turns to Morocco’s final preparatory match against Norway on Sunday. The fixture will provide the coaching staff with one last opportunity to fine tune the squad before the World Cup gets underway.

The friendly comes just six days before Morocco open their campaign against Brazil in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

Focus on Challenging Group C Campaign

Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. While the Atlas Lions are widely viewed as strong contenders to progress to the knockout rounds, their meeting with five-time world champions Brazil is expected to be the toughest challenge of the group phase.

As Morocco continue to establish themselves among football’s leading nations, the ambition within the camp remains clear. The Atlas Lions are now ranked among the world’s best teams and will be aiming to close the gap on the current top three nations in the rankings, France, Spain and Argentina.