The latest FIFA rankings, released in December 2024, highlight Morocco’s continued dominance in African football, with the Atlas Lions finishing the year as the continent’s highest-ranked team despite a slight dip in the global standings.
Morocco, which had been ranked 12th globally in the previous rankings, slipped two spots to 14th. However, they retained their position as Africa’s top team, a testament to their strong performances, including an impressive run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Morocco’s momentum was briefly slowed by a round-of-16 exit to South Africa at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in 2024.
Senegal, ranked 17th globally, remains Africa’s second-best team, while Egypt holds third place on the continent and is ranked 33rd worldwide. Algeria (37th) and Nigeria (44th) round out the top five African nations.
Angola’s rise was the standout story of the year, as the Palancas Negras surged a remarkable 32 places to 85th globally, making them the most improved team in the world. The team’s resurgence, driven by strong international results and the growth of domestic football, signals a bright future for the country.
Other notable movements include Algeria’s steady climb to 37th, up six spots, while perennial contenders Tunisia and Ivory Coast faced setbacks. Tunisia dropped 12 places to 52nd, and Ivory Coast fell seven spots to 46th. Both teams will look to rebuild as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Cameroon remains in the global top 50, holding 49th place, while Mali (51st) and South Africa (57th) round out Africa’s top 10. DR Congo (61st) and Burkina Faso (66th) remain on the fringes of the continent’s elite group.
The December rankings, which come at the close of a year with few international fixtures, offer an opportunity to reflect on the fluctuating fortunes of African teams and set the stage for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco.
Top 20 African Teams in FIFA Rankings (December 2024)
- Morocco (14th)
- Senegal (17th)
- Egypt (33rd)
- Algeria (37th)
- Nigeria (44th)
- Ivory Coast (46th)
- Cameroon (49th)
- Mali (51st)
- Tunisia (52nd)
- South Africa (57th)
- DR Congo (61st)
- Burkina Faso (66th)
- Cape Verde (72nd)
- Ghana (77th)
- Guinea (78th)
- Gabon (84th)
- Angola (85th)
- Zambia (87th)
- Uganda (88th)
- Equatorial Guinea (93rd)
