Morocco set African and Arab FIFA landmark at number five

Morocco have moved above Brazil into fifth place in the FIFA rankings, setting a new record for an African or Arab national team.

The Atlas Lions climbed provisionally after Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Australia. Morocco will now need to avoid a poor result against Gabon on Friday in Rabat, in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, before their position is confirmed at the end of the international break.

No African or Arab side has previously reached fifth in the world rankings. Morocco’s latest rise therefore represents a new high for both regions, although their final position will depend on the outcome of their match against the Panthers and the other results during the international window.

After facing Gabon, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will play Lesotho on 29 September in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. They will then meet Ghana in a friendly in Tangier on 4 October.

Brazil are due to face Australia again next Tuesday, a result which could have a further impact on the rankings.

Morocco’s progress has been sustained over several months. A combination of their own results and disappointing performances by rival teams first took them into the world’s top 10, before they climbed to a previous record of sixth.

That earlier landmark came after a 2026 World Cup campaign in which Morocco finished among the top eight for the second consecutive edition. Their latest move up to fifth extends a period of steady progress for the national team.

The improvement has also been linked to the strengthening of the squad. The approach adopted by the country’s football leaders, major investment in infrastructure and player development, and an effective scouting system have all contributed to that process.

In particular, Morocco have recruited a large number of talented dual nationals. The policy has helped build greater depth in the squad and has been viewed as significant enough to concern established football nations such as the Netherlands and France.

The team’s rise has therefore been driven not only by results on the pitch, but also by the broader development of Moroccan football. Their position remains provisional until the international break is complete, with Friday’s match against Gabon the next opportunity to protect the record ranking.