Morocco's Soccer Team Soars to Historic 8th in World Rankings

Morocco's national soccer team just made history, rocketing to 8th place in the FIFA world rankings for the first time ever.

The Atlas Lions secured their spot among the world's elite after defeating Cameroon 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The victory added 11.42 points to their total, bringing them to 1,733 points and leapfrogging traditional powerhouses like Belgium and Germany.

Under coach Walid Regragui's leadership, Morocco has been on an extraordinary tear. They stunned the world by reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, becoming the first African nation to advance that far. Now they're guaranteed at least a top-four finish at this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The FIFA rankings update on January 19 will officially confirm what specialized platform Football Meets Data has already projected. Morocco's minimum 8th place position is locked in regardless of their remaining tournament results, since knockout-stage losses don't deduct points.

The numbers tell a story of sustained excellence, not a lucky streak. Captain Achraf Hakimi and his teammates have consistently delivered on the biggest stages, backing up their World Cup breakthrough with another continental run.

Why This Inspires

Morocco's rise represents more than just ranking points. The team is rewriting expectations for African soccer on the global stage, proving that excellence can come from anywhere. Their journey from underdogs to top-ten contenders happened through teamwork, strategy, and belief in their own abilities.

With only 20 points separating them from 5th-ranked Brazil, the Atlas Lions could climb even higher with victories in their remaining matches. They're chasing their second Africa Cup of Nations title, 50 years after winning their first in 1976.

Morocco is showing the world that yesterday's surprises can become tomorrow's standards.