History-makers Morocco placed 11th in FIFA world ranking; Egypt maintain 39th rank

Mahmoud Elassal , Thursday 22 Dec 2022

Morocco placed 11th in FIFA’s December world rankings thanks to their superb performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the tournament’s semis, while Egypt maintained their position in 39th place on the team ranking.

This is the second highest ranking in Morocco’s history, as they were ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings in April 1998.

The Atlas Lions provided the most improbable story of this year's World Cup, missing out on a third-place finish at the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Croatia in the bronze medal contest.

As inspiring as Morocco has been in becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, the fans who have cheered them all the way have been fundamental to an unforgettable journey.

Meanwhile, Egypt was cemented in the 39th place of the FIFA December ranking despite beating Belgium in a friendly game ahead of the World Cup.

The Pharaohs are in sixth place among African countries, behind Morocco at 11th, Senegal at 19th place, Tunisia at 30th, Cameroon at 33rd and Nigeria at 35th.

World Cup winners Argentina placed 2nd on FIFA’s December world rankings.

Brazil remained at the top of the world ranking, ahead of Argentina, France, and Belgium respectively.

Spain, who placed 7th on the previous list, dropped three places and came in at 10^th, while Croatia jumped to 7th place.

Egypt – who previously made it into the world’s top 10 teams after winning three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations trophies in 2006, 2008, and 2010 – placed third among Arab countries after Morocco and Tunisia.

FIFA’s December World Rankings (October world rankings in parenthesis):

1. Brazil (1)
2. Argentina (3)
3. France (4)
4. Belgium (2)
5. England (5)
6. Netherlands (8)
7. Croatia (12)
8. Italy (6)
9. Portugal (9)
10. Spain (7)
11. Morocco (22)