Africa has been making a global statement in football with its talented and passionate teams. As seen in the previous World Cups, Africa has shown its potential in the sport. In the latest FIFA rankings, some African teams have been making significant movements, showcasing their potential to compete at a global level. Here is a list of the top 15 African teams according to the 2023 FIFA Rankings.
1. Morocco (13 globally)
The Moroccan national football team, also known as the Atlas Lions, has consistently been one of the top-performing teams in Africa. Led by their star player Hakim Ziyech, A former Chelsea player, Morocco reached the 2022 World Cup by beating Portugal. With their strong defense and skilled midfield, Morocco is a team full of surprises on the field.
2. Senegal (20 globally)
Senegal, also known as the Lions of Teranga, has been a dominant force in African football since their emergence in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Led by Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, Senegal boasts a solid attacking lineup and has consistently qualified for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. In 2022, Senegal managed to clinch the AFCON title by beating Egypt in Penalties.
3. Tunisia (28 globally)
Tunisia, known as the Carthage Eagles, has consistently performed in African football. They have qualified for five World Cups and reached the quarter-finals of AFCON three times. Tunisia has a strong midfield and is known to play with a lot of speed and intensity on the field. Their star player is Youssef Msakni, who plays for the Saudi Pro League Al-Arabi SC. READ ALSO: Africa’s World Cup Prospects Rise with 9, Possibly 10 Slots in USA
4. Algeria (30 globally)
The Algerian national football team, the Desert Foxes, has steadily climbed the FIFA rankings recently due to their improved performance. Their highlight moment came in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where they emerged as champions for the second time. Led by Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s attacking prowess is something to watch out for.
5. Egypt (33 globally)
As they are known, the Pharaohs are the most successful team in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having won it a record 7 times. They were also the first African team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 1934 and have since qualified for five more tournaments. Their star player is Mohamed Salah, who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League.
6. Nigeria (42 globally)
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The Super Eagles are one of the most successful teams in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times. They have also participated in six FIFA World Cups and are known for their attacking style of play. Additionally, In three World Cups, they shared the global stage with their famous international rival, Argentina.
7. Cameroon (46 globally)
The Indomitable Lions are known for their physical and aggressive style of play, making them a formidable opponent in any tournament. They have won the Africa Cup of Nations five times and have appeared in seven FIFA World Cups. Even though they have not been performing well recently on the global scene, Cameroon has produced some iconic football players like Samuel Eto’o and Roger Milla.
8. Côte d’Ivoire (50 globally)
The Elephants are also known for their strong and physical style of play, making them a tough opponent in any tournament. They have won the Africa Cup of Nations twice and have appeared in three FIFA World Cups. Moreover, They are one of the countries that have put the African continent on the global stage with talented players like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Wilfried Zaha.
9. Mali (51 globally)
The Eagles, as they are known, have been a rising force in African football in recent years. They have qualified for four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and have produced some notable players such as Seydou Keita and Moussa Marega. As an emerging country in the African football world, Mali has the potential to make a bigger impact in future tournaments.
10. Burkina Faso (57 globally)
As they are nicknamed, the Stallions have been a consistent presence in African football, appearing in 11 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. They are known for their fast and fluid style of play and have produced players such as Jonathan Pitroipa. Despite not winning a major tournament, Burkina Faso is a team to watch out for in future competitions.
11. Ghana (61 globally)
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The Black Stars are one of the most successful teams in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations four times. They have also appeared in three FIFA World Cups and are known for their technical and skillful style of play. The country has produced some of the biggest names in African football, such as Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien. READ ALSO: Why Bayer Leverkusen CEO is threatening FIFA with Legal Action over AFCON 2023
12. South Africa (66 globally)
As affectionately known, the Bafana Bafana has a long history in African football. They were the first African team to host and compete in the FIFA World Cup 2010. They once won the Africa Cup of Nations and produced players such as Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar. Their star player is Percy Tau, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
13. Congo DR (67 globally)
The Leopards are a formidable team in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations twice and appearing in eight FIFA World Cups. They are known for their physical and aggressive style of play and have produced players such as Yannick Bolasie and Dieumerci Mbokani. Though faced by political instability, Congo DR continues to produce talented players who impact the international stage.
14. Cabo Verde (73 globally)
The Blue Sharks may not have a long history in African football, but they have made a name for themselves in recent years. They have qualified for two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and are known for their tenacious and determined style of play. Their star player is Garry Rodrigues, a winger for Süper Lig club Ankaragücü.
15. Guinea (80 globally)
The National Elephants have a rich football heritage, appearing in eleven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and producing players such as Titi Camara and Naby Keita. They are also known for their technical and attacking style of play. Their most recent success was finishing as runners-up in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, cementing their place as a competitive team in African football.