Cote d’Ivoire AFCON triumph propels them in latest FIFA Rankings
The Ivorian team’s stellar performance on home soil saw them climb ten places to 39th in the world rankings, reflecting their impressive showing in the tournament.
The FIFA Men’s World Ranking, released just four days after the conclusion of the AFCON, highlights significant movements among African sides that participated in the tournament.
The latest rankings underscore the impact of recent continental tournaments on the global football landscape, with African teams making significant strides.
While there were no changes in the top ten, several nations from the CAF (Confederation of African Football) regions made notable strides.
Nigeria, the beaten finalists in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, surged up 14 places to 28th, demonstrating their strong performance in the tournament.
However, it was Angola who made the most significant leap, climbing 24 spots to 93rd after their impressive run in the competition.
The rise to uncharted territory in the rankings by some of the African sides coincided with Senegal’s breakthrough, with the Teranga Lions reaching their highest-ever position at 17th.
Despite their exit in the round of 16 against Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal’s strong performance in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON propelled them to new heights.
Other African teams that saw notable improvements include Equatorial Guinea (79th, up 9), South Africa (58th, up 8), Cabo Verde (65th, up 8), Namibia (107th, up 8), and Mali (47th, up 4).
The latest FIFA rankings underscore the impact of recent continental tournaments on the global football landscape, with African and Asian teams making significant strides.
As teams prepare for future competitions, including the TotlaEnergies CAF AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, these rankings provide valuable insights into their current standing on the international stage.
The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking is scheduled to be published on 4 April, offering further updates on the evolving football landscape.
The African Top 20 in the FIFA rankings
1-Morocco (12th)
2-Senegal (17th)
3-Nigeria (28th)
4-Egypt (36th)
5-Cote d’Ivoire (39th)
6-Tunisia (41st)
7-Algeria (43rd)
8-Mali (47th)
9-Cameroon (51st)
10-South Africa (58th)
11-Burkina Faso (61st)
12-DR Congo (63rd)
13-Cape Verde (65th)
14-Ghana (67th)
15-Guinea (76th)
16-Equatorial Guinea (79th)
17-Gabon (84th)
18-Zambia (87th)
19-Uganda (92nd)
20-Angola (93rd)