FIFA ranking: what are the African surprises and disappointments?

On Thursday, the International Football Federation updated its ranking of national teams for the second time this year. Senegal, first in Africa, is now 18th in the world. Other African teams have also made progress.

FIFA's new men's football rankings are down. And, despite the small depression suffered by football on the continent, the African selections are undoubtedly the most dynamic. If Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded big falls, by 9 and 6 places respectively, most African national teams are in the green.

The Lions of Teranga, reigning African champions and leaders of the African ranking for years already, have moved up two places. Senegal is still first in Africa, and now 18th in the world. Moroccan football closes the gap. The Atlas Lions have moved up three positions, and remain 2nd in Africa, and 24th in the world.

Three other African selections are in the world top 50: Tunisia, reigning champion of the Kirin Cup, after two great victories against Chile and Japan – which organizes the competition –, and qualified for the World Cup, progresses by 5 places, with 8 additional points. This is the greatest progression in the history of the country. The Tunisian team joins the world top 30 for the second time in its history – the Carthage Eagles were 27th in the old FIFA rankings between 2006 and 2007.

Algeria and Mali in the African top 5 of the FIFA rankings

Progress from Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia was expected, however. The three selections have been among those who have played the most matches this year, crowned with victories for the most part. However, it was at 4th and 5th place in Africa that the surprise of the week arrived.

Algeria and Mali took the places of Egypt and Cameroon in the African top 5. Mali, for its part, joins the world top 50 for the first time in its history. Despite some defeats, the selection of Mali is rewarded for its efforts. Indeed, the Malian team has made great progress, winning 9 of its last 11 matches. Today, the Malian Eagles are preparing for the next CAN meeting against Gambia. Subsequently, Mali will have a niche where the new coach, Eric Chelle, will be able to play friendly matches while waiting for the next season.

On the Algerian side, despite the disappointments of the CAN in Cameroon and then the World Cup qualifiers, Djamel Belmadi's Fennecs are picking up the pace. Five wins since their last defeat against Ivory Coast, and Algeria are preparing intensively for their next challenges. In effect, the Algerian Football Federation has signed the contract for the friendly match against Belgium, scheduled for November. The Algerian coach also mentioned meetings against Italy, Sweden and Croatia planned before the end of the year. But before, the Fennecs will have to face Niger, Uganda and Tanzania in the return matches of the qualifiers for the next CAN which will be played in Côte d'Ivoire next year.

🔴 Algeria is moving up the FIFA rankings and is in the TOP 5 Africa zone ahead of Cameroon and Egypt! 🇩🇿

[https://t.co/SZyPvEAkmz] pic.twitter.com/gyOjHhdFhu

— The Green Wave ⭐️🇩🇿⭐️ (@la_vagueverte) June 16, 2022