FIFA World Rankings Shaken Up: Morocco and Senegal Make Historic Jumps in January 2026 Update
Zurich, Switzerland – January 19, 2026 – The football world received its first major shake-up of the new year today as FIFA unveiled its updated Men’s World Rankings. While the familiar titans of Spain, Argentina, and France continue to dominate the top three, the real story unfolds further down the list, with African nations making significant historical strides.
African Football Ascendant: Morocco Reaches All-Time High
The biggest headline undoubtedly belongs to Morocco, who, fresh off a remarkable run to the Africa Cup of Nations final and a triumphant victory in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, have soared three places to claim an unprecedented 8th position globally. This marks the highest ranking ever achieved by the Atlas Lions, solidifying their status as a genuine world power in football. Their consistent performances and thrilling style of play have clearly resonated, earning them vital ranking points.
Hot on their heels are the newly crowned AFCON champions, Senegal. The Teranga Lions showcased immense talent and resilience in securing continental glory, and their efforts have been duly rewarded with a significant jump of 7 places to 12th in the world. This makes them the second-highest-ranked African nation, signaling a powerful shift in the global football landscape. Other notable African climbers include Nigeria (up 12 places to 26th) and Cameroon (up 12 places to 45th), both benefiting from strong showings in the continental tournament.
Top Contenders Remain Stable, European Giants Hold Ground
At the very top, the established hierarchy holds firm. Spain (1st) maintains its slender lead over Argentina (2nd) and France (3rd), with all three powerhouses demonstrating consistent form in the latter half of 2025. England (4th), Brazil (5th), and Portugal (6th) complete the top tier, showcasing the enduring strength of European and South American football. The Netherlands (7th) also held steady.
However, Morocco’s meteoric rise has pushed Belgium (9th) and Germany (10th) down one spot each, with Croatia (11th) falling out of the top ten entirely.
CONCACAF Nations See Slight Dip
The strong performances from African teams have inevitably led to minor adjustments for other confederations. North American giants saw a slight dip, with the USA moving to 15th and Mexico to 16th, as they prepare for a crucial year of World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup Year
With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ rapidly approaching, these rankings will become increasingly vital for seeding and psychological advantage. The January 2026 update paints a clear picture: while the traditional footballing nations remain dominant, the gap is closing, and the ascent of African teams, in particular, promises an even more competitive and exciting year ahead.
Football fans worldwide can anticipate a thrilling build-up as nations vie for precious ranking points and optimal positioning on the road to the biggest tournament in sports.
