Cameroon leapfrogs Morocco in FIFA rankings after eliminating Atlas Lionesses
Morocco remain 64th in the world, but have lost 17.53 points since June. The new rankings published on Tuesday confirm a shift in the African pecking order, two months after the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco, left its mark.
On August 12, Cameroon dashed the Atlas Lionesses’ hopes in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat. Two months later, the Cameroonians have also moved ahead in the FIFA rankings. The new African champions have climbed nine places to 62nd in the world, ahead of Morocco, which remains 64th.
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The gap has also widened in points. According to figures in the rankings published on Tuesday, October 20, Morocco’s tally now stands at 1,384.71 points, down from 1,402.24 in the previous update on June 16. The loss of 17.53 points leaves them in the same world ranking position, but further behind Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lionesses are reaping the rewards of their continental campaign. After eliminating Nigeria in the quarter-finals and then Morocco on penalties (0-0, 3-1), they won their first African title by beating Malawi (3-0) in the final on August 16 in Rabat.
The FIFA also highlights the impact of this Africa Cup of Nations on its new rankings, compiled after 183 international matches. Cameroon is among the African teams that made the biggest gains.
Morocco remain fourth in Africa
Despite being overtaken by Cameroon, the Atlas Lionesses retain fourth place on the continent. Nigeria remains Africa’s top team, ranking 43rd in the world after dropping seven places. South Africa follows in 59th, ahead of Cameroon (62nd) and Morocco (64th).
Ghana, which previously ranked ahead of Morocco, has fallen five places to 65th in the world. This shift allows Morocco to hold on to fourth place in Africa, despite a less favorable points tally than in June.
The contrast is stark with August 2023, when the Atlas Lionesses climbed 14 places in the FIFA rankings after making a historic qualification for the World Cup round of 16. They had then reached 58th in the world.
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations nevertheless earned them another qualification for the Women’s World Cup. Morocco will therefore play at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, along with Cameroon, Algeria and Malawi, the four semi-finalists of the continental tournament.
FIFA’s next women’s rankings will be published on December 7, 2026. Morocco will then have another chance to improve its points tally and close the gap on the three African teams above it.
