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The Morocco national football team have climbed to fifth place in the provisional FIFA Men’s World Rankings, moving ahead of Brazil and Portugal to strengthen their position among international football’s elite. The Atlas Lions achieved the landmark following an impressive 5-1 victory over Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and defeats for two traditional football powerhouses during the November international break.
Brazil suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat against Japan in an international friendly, allowing Morocco to move above them in the live standings. Portugal’s subsequent 4-1 loss to Denmark opened the door for the North African side to climb another position and enter the top five.
Morocco’s Historic Rise In FIFA Rankings
Morocco’s emergence among the world’s five highest-ranked teams reflects their remarkable progress over the last four years. The Atlas Lions have steadily established themselves as one of international football’s strongest sides, particularly following their memorable campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Under Walid Regragui, Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. They defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal during their historic run before losing to eventual runners-up France.
That achievement transformed the country’s standing in international football. Morocco entered the 2022 World Cup ranked 22nd in the world but climbed to 11th following the tournament.
Their progress continued in subsequent years. The North African nation reached eighth place in January 2026, returning to the FIFA top 10 for the first time since 1998.
They also enjoyed another impressive World Cup campaign in 2026, reaching the quarter-finals before their latest rise in the rankings.
Morocco Match Nigeria’s African Football Record
Morocco’s achievement carries particular significance for African football. Their rise to fifth place matches the highest position ever achieved by an African national team in the FIFA men’s rankings.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles previously occupied fifth place in April 1994, making Morocco the first African side since Nigeria to reach that position.
Morocco had already reached fifth in the September 2026 official rankings before dropping to seventh in October, when Portugal climbed above them.
With another AFCON qualifying fixture against Niger scheduled for November 17, Morocco have an opportunity to consolidate their position before FIFA’s next official ranking update.