Africas shifting football hierarchy has taken on a new shape with the release of the November 2025 FIFA rankings, offering a revealing snapshot of momentum, stagnation and growing competitiveness across the continent. Morocco once again lead the African charge, positioned 11th in the world and showing no signs of slowing down. Their place among the global elite is the product of consistency rather than one-off peaks, reinforcing their status as the continents most dependable force.
Senegal follow as Africas second-ranked side at 19th, but the gap between them and Morocco feels wider than the numbers suggest. While the Teranga Lions remain strong, their progress has levelled off in recent months, sparking debate about whether they are simply regrouping or entering a period of transition. Behind them, North African rivals Egypt 34th and Algeria 35th maintain familiar positions in the upper bracket, though the pressure from rising challengers is becoming increasingly evident.
Nigerias rise to 38th marks one of the months biggest internal shifts. After a period marked by inconsistency and public scrutiny, the Super Eagles appear to have rediscovered the beginnings of an upward trajectory. Cte dIvoire, close behind at 42nd, remain one of Africas most organised and competitive sides, with a consistency that keeps them in every major conversation.
The middle pack has become increasingly dense, with Tunisia 40th, Mali 54th and DR Congo 56th all pushing forward with renewed ambition. DR Congo, in particular, continue to impress with steady progress that signals a team on the brink of joining the continents elite. Meanwhile, the most striking decline belongs to Cameroon, now sitting 57th. For a nation once synonymous with African dominance, the ranking reflects deeper concerns about inconsistency and administrative turbulence. Their challenge now is not only to rebuild but to redefine their identity.
Further down the list, South Africa 61st, Burkina Faso 62nd, Cape Verde 68th, Ghana 72nd and Gabon 78th form a collective chasing pack full of potential but battling for stability. Ghanas position stands out as the starkest warning sign, highlighting how far the Black Stars have fallen from their traditional stature, while Cape Verde continue to defy expectations through structure and efficiency rather than star power.
Taken together, these rankings suggest a continent in transition one where established giants are being questioned, rising sides are gaining ground, and the competitive balance is becoming less predictable. With expanded World Cup qualification and crucial fixtures ahead, Africas football order feels poised for another reshuffle, and the next 12 months could redefine the hierarchy altogether.