FIFA rankings March 2026 – Africa Zone: Morocco holding steady, Senegal slips, Benin gains two places

The release of FIFA’s new rankings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, confirmed the first trends observed after the March international break. Between on-field results and administrative decisions related to AFCON 2025, the major African nations are experiencing varying fortunes.

Despite a mixed run, Morocco manages to preserve its place in the world Top 10 (8th). Held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador before defeating Paraguay (2-1), the Atlas Lions also benefit from their walkover victory in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 finalThe walkover victory… keeps Morocco firmly anchored in the Top 10, the report notes.

Conversely, Senegal slips to 14th in the world, despite two convincing wins over Peru (2-0) and The Gambia (3-1). The walkover defeat in the AFCON 2025 final weighs heavily in the points tally, officials say, even though the Lions of Teranga remain the second African nation.

Behind them, Tunisia records a notable progression by rising to 44th place, overtaking a Cameroon lacking consistency. Algeria (28th) remains stable, while Egypt closes the gap after a convincing run. Finally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues its progression (46th), boosted by its historic World Cup qualification, while Ghana and Cape Verde fall back after disappointing performances. Having recorded two victories, over Liberia (1-0) and Guinea (1-0), Benin has also progressed, with the Cheetahs gaining two places in the overall standings.

The African Top 20

1. Morocco (8th in the world)
2. Senegal (14th, -2)
3. Nigeria (26th)
4. Algeria (28th)
5. Egypt (29th, +2)
6. Ivory Coast (34th, +3)
7. Tunisia (44th, +3)
8. Cameroon (45th)
9. Democratic Republic of the Congo (46th, +2)
10. Mali (52nd, +2)
11. South Africa (60th)
12. Burkina Faso (62nd)
13. Cape Verde (69th, -2)
14. Ghana (74th, -2)
15. Guinea (80th)
16. Gabon (87th, -1)
17. Uganda (88th)
18. Angola (89th)
19. Benin (90th, +2)
20. Zambia (92nd, -1).