Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco’s national football team has gained three places in the global FIFA ranking, occupying the 21st place globally and ranking second in Africa.
The latest ranking shows that the Atlas Lions’ score has increased by 7.02 points, from 1,552 points recorded in May to 1,558.90 points.
Previously ranked 24th worldwide, Morocco’s Atlas Lions now occupy the 21st spot, immediately ahead of Iran (22nd), Japan (23rd), Poland (24th), and Peru (25th).
The ranking means the Moroccan national team managed to improve its FIFA ranking despite losing to the US by 3-0 in a recent friendly match the two countries played as part of their preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Senegal, the only African team ahead of Morocco in the FIFA ranking, kept its spot on top of African football but moved up two places in the global ranking to land in the 18th position.
Senegal’s Teranga Lions won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February, beating Egypt in the penalty shootouts.
Morocco comes second in Africa, followed by Nigeria (30th globally), Tunisia (33rd), Egypt (39th), Algeria (40th), Cameroon (41st), and Mali (46th).
Brazil dominates the global ranking. Following are Belgium, Argentina, France, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
The Atlas Lions recently sealed two victories against South Africa (2-1) and Liberia (2-0) as part of the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON. With 6 points in two games, the Moroccan team maintains the first place in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers and is well placed to qualify for next year’s continental cup in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite Morocco’s rather flattering FIFA ranking, the Atlas Lions’ mostly dispiriting performances in their recent games have left many unconvinced fans with the lingering sense that the team is in dire need of change before the start of the Qatar World Cup.
For the large majority of Atlas Lions fans, one critically needed change is the sacking of Vahid Halilhodzic, the current head coach of the Moroccan team.
Among players, meanwhile, there appears to be some acknowledgement that the team needs to progress on many fronts if it is to do well at the World Cup where it will be playing against serious opposition.
“We have enough time to do it [make progress before the World Cup]… We have to stay positive,” attacking midfielder Faycal Fajr said after Monday’s game against Liberia in the AFCON qualifiers.
Read Also: Halilhodzic and Morocco’s Atlas Lions: Time to Say Goodbye?
