Egypt, ranked 35th in December, reached the third-place playoff at AFCON before losing to Nigeria. They also lead Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 16 points from six matches.
The Pharaohs are the fifth-highest-ranked African side, behind finalists Morocco, champions Senegal, third-placed Nigeria and Algeria.
The rankings were released a day after the conclusion of the tournament, where Senegal stunned hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final to claim the continental title.
Morocco break Egypt’s record
Despite defeat in the final, Morocco jumped three places to eighth in the global rankings, becoming the highest-ranked African team.
The Atlas Lions broke Egypt’s record of reaching the world top 10, which the Pharaohs achieved after winning three successive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Senegal surged seven places to 12th worldwide and second in Africa, while Nigeria climbed 12 places after beating Egypt in the third-place match.
Tunisia dropped six places following their round of last 16 exit.
Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December, 2025, to 18 January, 2026.
At the top of the global standings, Spain, Argentina, France and England retained the first four positions. Belgium and Germany each slipped one place to ninth and 10th respectively, finishing behind Morocco.
January FIFA World Rankings (December positions in parentheses):
Top ten teams:
1. Spain (1)
2. Argentina (2)
3. France (3)
4. England (4)
5. Brazil (5)
6. Portugal (6)
7. Netherlands (7)
8. Morocco (12)
9. Belgium (8)
10. Germany (9)
Top 10 African teams:
8. Morocco (12)
12. Senegal (19)
26. Nigeria (38)
28. Algeria (34)
31. Egypt (35)
37. Côte d'Ivoire (42)
45. Cameroon (57)
47. Tunisia (41)
48. DR Congo (56)
54. Mali (53)
Top five Arab teams:
8. Morocco (12)
28. Algeria (34)
31. Egypt (35)
47. Tunisia (41)
56. Qatar (54)
Check the AFCON matches and standings
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