Released in April 2025, the most current FIFA Africa rankings revealed both expected results and unexpected variations. As the footballing world prepares for the crucial stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Africa’s top nations are battling for supremacy. From Morocco’s dominance to Nigeria’s decline, these rankings offer a clear view of every nation’s football trajectory.

Morocco Stays Top – A New Era of North African Supremacy

Morocco is still the undisputed leader in Africa and has risen to 12th worldwide. Their most recent unbeaten run during the March 2025 international break confirmed the Atlas Lions’ standing as a tactical superpower.

Morocco has become a consistently outstanding squad after its history-making journey to the 2022 World Cup semifinals. Their disciplined attitude and rich talent pool keep producing results under coach Walid Regragui. From Hakim Ziyech to Achraf Hakimi, the balance of flair and structure is unmatched on the continent.

Senegal’s Struggles Raise Alarms

Once at the top, Senegal has fallen to 19th globally and 2nd in Africa. Though players like Sadio Mané and Edouard Mendy shine, the Lions of Teranga have battled defensive errors and tactical inconsistencies.

Though they recovered with a close victory over Guinea, their 3-1 loss to Mozambique in Cairo drew attention. Pressure on coach Aliou Cissé to energize his aged core and bring in new talent before the upcoming qualifying events is mounting.

Egypt Roars Back Into the Top 3

Egypt has climbed five spots to 32nd worldwide, surpassing Nigeria to reach Africa’s Top 3. Rui Vitória’s clever inclusion of young talents like Omar Marmoush alongside veterans like Mohamed Salah has mostly credited this turnaround.

Their March triumphs against Angola and Gabon revealed a revived hunger and tactical clarity. With hopes to regain worldwide prominence, Egypt’s re-entry into the top tier shows its rich footballing legacy.

Ivory Coast Returns to the Elite

Ivory Coast’s jump five worldwide places to 41st to enter the continental Top 5 is the most symbolic change in the FIFA Africa rankings 2025. Their AFCON 2025 preparatory campaign, which has seen impressive victories and a revitalized attacking force, aligns with this growing trend.

Nigeria Out of Top 5

Once a strong power, Nigeria today ranks 43rd worldwide and sixth in Africa. The Super Eagles have suffered greatly from coaching chaos and lack of defensive discipline.

Algeria Holds Steady, Tunisia and Cameroon Trade Blows

Algeria has moved up one position to 36th in the world, keeping their 4th place in Africa. Riyad Mahrez still leads a talented and disciplined team under Djamel Belmadi, whose approach stresses stability.

After a good qualifying window, Tunisia rose to 49th; Cameroon fell one spot to 50th after uneven performance. The Indomitable Lions are still erratic, swinging between greatness and mediocrity.

Liberia Climbs One Spot

Liberia moved up one place in the latest FIFA rankings. The Lonestar ascended from 145 to 144 after their performance in the recent international window, signaling progress as they aim to climb higher in upcoming fixtures.

Mid-Table Movers and Surprises

Africa’s mid-ranking teams reflect a continent in flux:

• Mali dropped two spots to 53rd despite a promising youth setup.

• South Africa climbed to 56th, slowly regaining form.

• Burkina Faso rose two places to 64th, bolstered by impressive U-23 performances.

• Ghana, now 76th, moved up one position amid cautious optimism.

• Gabon soared five spots to 79th, one of the month’s biggest risers.

With federations spending more on grassroots development and worldwide visibility, these changes suggest a larger renaissance in West and Southern Africa.

Declines and Warning Signs

Several nations slid down the ladder:

• Guinea dropped four places to 82nd.

• Angola slipped to 87th amid tactical instability.

• Benin and Togo now rank outside the top 100 (95th and 120th, respectively), reflecting deeper structural issues.

Teams like Zambia (88th) and Uganda (89th) are still in a holding pattern, waiting for clear outcomes in next qualifiers to recover momentum.

Regional Breakdown – North, West, East & Southern Africa

North Africa

• Morocco (12th)

• Algeria (36th)

• Egypt (32nd)

• Tunisia (49th)

North Africa dominates the Top 10, thanks to professional leagues, stable federations, and tactical depth.

West Africa

• Senegal (19th)

• Ivory Coast (41st)

• Nigeria (43rd)

• Mali (53rd)

• Ghana (76th)

West Africa remains a breeding ground for raw talent, though inconsistent governance and coaching remain challenges.

East Africa

• Uganda (89th)

• Kenya (101st)

• Tanzania (107th)

East Africa continues its slow but steady growth, with Uganda’s U-17 qualification offering a glimpse of a brighter future.

Southern Africa

• South Africa (56th)

• Zambia (88th)

• Angola (87th)

Southern nations are focusing more on youth academies and local league strengthening.

Biggest Climbers & Fallers – April 2025 Snapshot

Top Risers

• Egypt (+5)

• Ivory Coast (+5)

• Gabon (+5)

• Tunisia (+3)

• Burkina Faso (+2)

Biggest Fallers

• Guinea (-4)

• Angola (-2)

• Mali (-2)

• Cameroon (-1)

• Nigeria (Out of Top 5 in Africa)

These shifts offer a pulse check on recent form and competitive momentum.

Africa’s Top 20 – FIFA Rankings Snapshot (April 2025)

What It Means Ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers

The FIFA Africa rankings 2025 are not just numbers. They affect sponsor trust, team morale, and World Cup qualifying seeding. For Morocco, the difficulty is to turn this supremacy into worldwide and continental success. The aim for Senegal and Nigeria is to stop the decline and go back to consistency.

Other teams like Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Gabon are ready to take advantage of their momentum and push themselves more aggressively. Every ranking window reshapes Africa’s football geography; no position is assured.