Top 10 Best African men’s national football teams 2025

As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up and the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco draws closer, Africa’s football giants are making bold statements on and off the pitch. From Morocco’s dominance and early qualification to Nigeria and South Africa’s tense battles for a spot, the continent’s top sides are shaping a thrilling new era for African football. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 Best African national football teams, their current positions based on the latest FIFA rankings, and what lies ahead as they chase continental glory and a place on the world stage.

10 South Africa national football team

They are ranked 59th globally

South Africa benefit from improved form under stable coaching, competitive qualifiers and some good home performances. They remain slightly behind the traditional North/West African elite, but are doing well. South Africa have qualified for World Cup 2026 from a tough group featuring Nigeria and Benin, marking a return since hosting in 2010. They are also one of the qualified nations for AFCON 2025 which will be a platform to sharpen their squad for the global stage.

9 Cameroon national football team

They are ranked 54th globally

Cameroon’s place reflects their pedigree (multiple World Cup appearances, strong history) and some recent good results. Yet, occasional managerial changes and inconsistency hold them back from being higher. Cameroon, like Nigeria, are not yet qualified for 2026 World Cup but they are still in contention and will need to assert themselves in the playoff context. They are qualified for AFCON 2025 (as usual) and will be aiming to have a strong tournament.

8 Mali national football team

They are ranked 53rd globally

Mali are rising: their youth development, strong showings at youth levels, and improving senior results push them into the top ten. But they still lack the depth and consistency of the very top.  Mali  are the only team in this list who  are out of contention to take part in the 2026 World Cup. They are however set to participate in AFCON 2025 and they will be under pressure to finish strong and show they are still one of Africa’s elite.

7 Tunisia national football team

They are ranked 43rd globally

Tunisia’s ranking is backed by their ability to qualify for major tournaments regularly, stable coaching structures, and a decent mix of domestic and overseas talent. They lag a little behind the top due to fewer standout wins. Tunisia secured a spot in World Cup 2026 with a late win over Equatorial Guinea, topping their group.  Tunisia is set to take part in AFCON 2025 as well which will present an opportunity to show that they are one of the top African footballing nations.

6 Ivory Coast national football team

They are ranked 42nd globally

The Elephants are ranked high due to a strong tradition, quality players abroad, and competitive presence in Africa. However, recent inconsistent results and drops in form have slightly hurt them. Ivory Coast also topped their group to qualify for the World Cup 2026 where they will look to impress. The reigning African champions (having won the last edition) will enter AFCON 2025 as one of the favorites and they will be under pressure to retain their title.

5 Nigeria national football team

They are ranked 41st globally

Nigeria historically is a major African football force. Their ranking reflects solid talent and results, but some shaky qualifiers and inconsistency have prevented them from rising further. Nigeria are not yet automatically qualified for World Cup 2026 and are in the playoff scenario where they will face other teams for a chance to be at the world cup. Nigeria has however qualified for AFCON 2025 where they should be able to impress.

4 Algeria national football team

They are ranked 35th globally

Algeria have regained form: after some weaker spells, they delivered strong results in CAF qualifiers and continental play. Their resurgence, along with their continental experience, explains the ranking. Algeria was among the nine teams that automatically qualified for the World Cup by finishing top of their qualifying table. They will also be one of the key players in AFCON 2025. Their resurgence is noteworthy and the tournament offers a chance to boost their continental stature ahead of the World Cup.

3 Egypt national football team

They are ranked 32nd globally

Egypt remains a traditional powerhouse in Africa thanks to strong football culture, regular qualification for major tournaments, and decent results in qualifiers. They have momentum but some occasional dips. Egypt sealed qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 3-0 win over Djibouti on 8 October 2025. They topped Group A and return to the World Cup stage after missing out previously. Egypt are also competing in AFCON 2025, and the coach has publicly stated it’s time for the squad to win the tournament, recognizing the value both for national pride and momentum ahead of the World Cup.

2 Senegal national football team

They are ranked 18th globally

Senegal’s rise is powered by a golden generation of players in top European leagues, a recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, and good showing in qualifiers. Their consistency keeps them high in the rankings. Senegal secured qualification for World Cup 2026 by topping Group B.  and they will head into AFCON 2025 as one of Africa’s strongest sides.  AFCON 2025 will provide them with a chance to extend their continental credentials and carry that momentum into the World Cup.

1 Morocco national football team

They are ranked 12th globally

Morocco have established themselves as Africa’s leading side through consistent results: strong World Cup performance (2022 semi-finalists), dominant qualifiers, and strong unbeaten runs. Their depth, tactical coherence and strong domestic league (helping player development) are major factors. Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the World Cup 2026 by topping their group with a perfect record (6 wins from 6) including a 5-0 victory over Niger. In addition, Morocco will be part of AFCON 2025 which they will host which gives them both home-advantage and added pressure to perform.