The conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations has sent shockwaves through the January 2026 FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking, with finalists Morocco and Senegal both recording remarkable climbs.

Morocco (8th, up 3) have risen to their best-ever position in the rankings, returning to the top 10 for the first time since April 1998. The result is all the more striking given that the Atlas Lions suffered defeat in the AFCON final on home soil. For the hosts, reaching an all-time high of eighth offers real consolation.

Senegal, meanwhile, have been rewarded for reclaiming the AFCON title. The Teranga Lions surged seven places to 12th — a position they have never previously occupied — making their own piece of history after lifting the continental crown.

Top three undisturbed

At the summit, little has changed. Spain (1st), FIFA world champions Argentina (2nd), and France (3rd) retain their positions at the head of the global standings.

African nations surge across the board

Morocco's rise came at a cost for several European sides. Croatia (11th, down 1) dropped out of the top 10, while Belgium (9th, down 1) and Germany (10th, down 1) each slipped one place.

The AFCON's impact extended well beyond the two finalists. Bronze medallists Nigeria climbed 12 places to 26th, and quarter-finalists Cameroon matched that leap to reach 45th. Algeria (28th, up 6), semi-finalists Egypt (31st, up 4), dethroned holders Côte d'Ivoire (37th, up 5), and Congo DR (48th, up 8) all recorded notable gains.

The tournament's ripple effect is clear in confederation standings too. CAF now has nine nations inside the top 50 — two more than at the end of 2025 — while the AFC and Concacaf each lost one representative to fall to four apiece. UEFA continues to dominate with 26 of the top 50 sides, and CONMEBOL accounts for seven. OFC nations remain absent from the top 50.

Other movers to note

Kosovo (79th, up 1) climbed into new territory once again, aided in part by Gabon's drop of eight places to 86th. Costa Rica (51st, down 2) and Uzbekistan (52nd, down 2) both fell out of the top 50.

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking is scheduled for publication on 1 April 2026.