Morocco have made African football history by moving above Brazil into fifth position in the latest FIFA rankings, giving the Atlas Lions their highest-ever position in the global standings.
The rise came after Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Australia, which allowed Morocco to move provisionally into fifth place ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Gabon in Rabat on Friday.
The new position would represent the highest ranking ever achieved by a national team from Africa or the Arab world.
However, Morocco’s fifth-place position remains provisional. The Atlas Lions must avoid defeat against Gabon and wait for the current international window to conclude before the position becomes official.
The latest breakthrough adds to Morocco’s sustained rise on the international stage, following a series of strong performances and improved FIFA rankings in recent years.
The Atlas Lions initially broke into the FIFA top 10 before reaching sixth place, their previous best ranking. Their latest move above Brazil marks another major milestone in the country’s growing football profile.
Following the Gabon encounter, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will face Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on September 29 in their second AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture.
Morocco are then scheduled to face Ghana in a friendly in Tangier on October 4, while Brazil will meet Australia again next Tuesday.
Morocco’s steady rise
Morocco’s progress has been supported by investment in football infrastructure and youth development, alongside an extensive scouting network that has helped strengthen the national team.
The recruitment of talented dual nationals has also expanded the squad’s options and improved Morocco’s ability to compete against established football nations, including the Netherlands and France.
The Atlas Lions’ recent rise has also been reflected in their performances at the World Cup, where they finished among the top eight for the second consecutive edition in 2026.
Their provisional move into fifth therefore represents another landmark in Morocco’s continued rise in international football.
For now, the Atlas Lions will have to negotiate their AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture against Gabon and the remaining international-window results before their historic fifth-place ranking can be confirmed.