Spain have once again maintained their grip on top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, with Argentina, France and England retaining their places behind the pace-setters.
But after the recently-concluded Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which featured seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ participants, there has been some significant movement in the ranking.
Read on for our full summary of the biggest movers and shakers following January’s update.
AFCON finalists break new ground
Despite suffering heartbreak in the Africa Cup of Nations final, hosts Morocco have moved up three places to eighth, reaching their highest-ever ranking. It is also the first time the Atlas Lions have returned to the top ten since April 1998. Morocco’s ascent has come at a cost for Belgium, Croatia and Germany, who have all dropped one place. Meanwhile, AFCON winners Senegal have been rewarded for reclaiming the continental crown by moving up an incredible seven places to 12th, also a record high.
African compatriots on the rise
AFCON bronze medallists Nigeria (26th) and quarter-finalists Cameroon (45th) have each shot up an unparalleled 12 places in the ranking following their impressive continental display. Elsewhere, Algeria are up six to 28th, semi-finalists Egypt have jumped four to 31st, Côte d’Ivoire moved up five to 37th and Congo DR rose eight spots to 48th. CAF now boasts nine nations in the top 50, which is two more than at the end of 2025.
Kosovo reach new heights
Kosovo have yet again climbed into unchartered territory by rising one spot to 79th, their march coming on the back of Gabon falling eight places to 86th after being eliminated in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Costa Rica (51st) and Uzbekistan (52nd) have dropped out of the top 50.
