FIFA Rankings Reflect Morocco’s Awarded AFCON Title

FIFA Rankings Reflect Morocco’s Awarded AFCON Title 

By Niyi Busari 

FIFA’s global ranking system has begun reflecting the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial ruling on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, listing Morocco’s match against Senegal as a forfeited result, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

On FIFA’s live ranking interface, the final is recorded as a 3–0 victory for Morocco, with the Atlas Lions awarded the continental title. The update credits Morocco with a total of 1,754.59 points, including a gain of +18.02 points attributed to the match.

The adjustment follows CAF’s recent appeal decision, which ruled in Morocco’s favor after Senegal walked off the pitch during the January 18 final in Rabat. Under CAF regulations, a team that abandons a match may forfeit the game, a provision the governing body cited in declaring Morocco champions of the 2025 tournament.

While FIFA has yet to release a formal statement confirming the update, its ranking system appears to be incorporating the outcome into its calculations. The organization typically publishes official rankings according to a fixed schedule, with the next update due on April 1.

The figures currently visible stem from FIFA’s live ranking tool, which can register match outcomes prior to their inclusion in officially published rankings.

Nevertheless, the update is notable, signaling what may be interpreted as implicit recognition by FIFA of CAF’s ruling. The development carries implications for Morocco’s standing in the global rankings, as the team looks to build momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures.