Top 10 ranked footballing countries in Africa

FIFA Ranking: Top 10 ranked African countries.

Top 10 ranked footballing countries in Africa

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 11:25 - 24.10.2024

A look at the best-ranked African countries according to FIFA's latest world ranking.

The latest FIFA World Rankings have revealed significant changes in Africa's football hierarchy, with several traditional powerhouses experiencing notable shifts in their positions.

2022 World Cup darlings Morocco continue to lead the continental rankings, maintaining their status as Africa's highest-ranked nation. 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have emerged as one of the biggest winners, climbing three places globally to 36th position under interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, solidifying their place among Africa's top five nations.

Algeria's improvement has been equally noteworthy, rising four spots to 37th in the global rankings, while Senegal maintains their position as one of Africa's elite teams.

Morocco remain number one in Africa.

However, the rankings have brought sobering news for African champions Côte d'Ivoire, who have dropped seven places in the world to 40th position, now sitting sixth in the continental hierarchy. 

This significant decline comes at a crucial time for the Elephants who only recently lifted their third AFCON title.

The Super Eagles are breathing better under Augustine Eguavoen. | IMAGO

Tunisia's position has seen an even more dramatic decline, falling 11 places to 47th globally and seventh in Africa, marking one of the most substantial drops in this ranking period. 

In contrast, Cameroon have shown resilience by climbing four places to 49th globally, maintaining their position in Africa's top eight.

Bryan Mbeumo's Cameroon is back in the top 50.

Mali (54th) and DR Congo (57th, up one spot) round out Africa's top 10, demonstrating the continued competitiveness of West and Central African nations at the continental level.

The rankings reflect a period of significant change in African football, with traditional giants facing challenges from emerging forces. 

Ghana dropped three places and are now 73rd in the world and could miss the AFCON 2025 in Morocco. || Imago

The movement within the top 10 suggests an increasingly competitive landscape in African football, particularly as nations prepare for upcoming competitions including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Lower-ranked nations have also made notable strides, with Comoros and Sudan both climbing 10 places after impressive victories over higher-ranked opponents in recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Botswana are the biggest movers.

Botswana recorded the biggest points gain in this ranking period, highlighting the growing competitiveness across all levels of African football.

These changes in the rankings come during a busy period that saw 175 international matches played in October, including 47 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers.

Africa's Current Top 10 Rankings

  1. Morocco (13)
  2. Senegal (20)
  3. Egypt (30)
  4. Nigeria (36)
  5. Algeria (37)
  6. Côte d'Ivoire (40)
  7. Tunisia (47)
  8. Cameroon (49)
  9. Mali (54th)
  10. DR Congo (57)