FIFA uses a revised Elo rating system, adopted in 2018, to rank teams based on match results, opponent strength, and match importance. A win against a high-ranking team in a competitive fixture (like a World Cup qualifier) yields more points than beating a lower-ranked team in a friendly.
In the latest ranking, Morocco’s 1694.24 points not only place it atop African teams but also earn it the 12th global spot, reflecting its performance across high-stakes matches. Nigeria, with 1481.35 points and 43rd globally, trails significantly behind top-tier African peers, underscoring a need for more consistent results in major competitions. These rankings highlight shifting power dynamics in African football, particularly the rise of North African teams.