The second FIFA ranking of the year 2024 was released this Thursday! As expected, several changes occurred following the numerous international matches played in March (including friendly matches and 2025 AFCON qualifiers).
Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Comoros are notably at the center of these changes. The Elephants, ranked 39th in the previous ranking, have climbed one spot (to 38th) after a generally successful March gathering (a 2-2 draw against Benin and a prestigious 2-1 victory against Uruguay, the 15th-ranked team in the world). However, the Lions of the Atlas have dropped one place (from 13th to 12th), which is somewhat logical after a rather disappointing March gathering, resulting in a narrow 1-0 win against Angola (in Brahim Diaz’s debut match) followed by a goalless draw against Mauritania.
Compared to the previous ranking, Comoros has made a significant improvement, moving from 121st to 117th place. This advancement is attributed to their recent convincing 4-0 victory over Uganda, just days after holding Angola’s Palancas Negras to a goalless draw, a team that reached the quarterfinals of the last AFCON. It’s worth noting that this is their highest-ever ranking.
Nigeria Drops, Mali Rises
On the third step of the African podium behind Senegal, Nigeria has dropped two places globally (from 28th to 30th). Despite being the reigning African runner-up, Nigeria had defeated Ghana 2-1 in the first of two friendly matches in March, but the Super Eagles failed to confirm their form against Mali, losing 2-0. Meanwhile, Mali has gained three places (from 47th to 44th) thanks to this prestigious victory, which followed a 2-0 win against Mauritania just a few days earlier.
Although the global rankings of several nations have changed, there have been no changes in position in the top 20 African teams, with Morocco-Senegal (remaining 17th)-Nigeria still occupying the top three spots, closely followed by Egypt (rising one place, from 37th to 36th) and Ivory Coast.
Top 20 African Teams in FIFA Ranking:
- Morocco (13th)
- Senegal (17th)
- Nigeria (30th)
- Egypt (36th)
- Ivory Coast (38th)
- Tunisia (41st)
- Algeria (43rd)
- Mali (44th)
- Cameroon (51st)
- South Africa (59th)
- Burkina Faso (62nd)
- DR Congo (63rd)
- Cape Verde (65th)
- Ghana (68th)
- Guinea (76th)
- Equatorial Guinea (79th)
- Gabon (84th)
- Zambia (86th)
- Uganda (92nd)
- Angola (94th)
