Morocco have moved into fifth place in the live FIFA men’s world ranking after Brazil dropped points in a 1–1 draw with Australia on Friday.
The result in Townsville has allowed the Atlas Lions to overtake the five-time world champions in the unofficial live calculation, giving Morocco a position that would represent another major milestone for the national team if maintained until the next official ranking update.
The timing is particularly significant, with Morocco preparing to face Gabon in the opening match of their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Brazil’s Draw Opens the Door
Brazil entered the current ranking period directly ahead of Morocco, with the two nations separated by less than one FIFA ranking point in the latest official standings.
The 1–1 draw with Australia therefore had an immediate impact on the live calculation, allowing Morocco to move ahead.
The Atlas Lions had entered the period in sixth place, while Brazil occupied fifth. The latest movement has now temporarily reversed those positions.
A Historic Position for Morocco
If the live position is maintained in the next official edition, Morocco would occupy fifth place in the FIFA men's ranking.
The current movement reflects the remarkable rise of Moroccan football in recent years, with the national team continuing to establish itself among the highest-ranked sides in the world.
Morocco's rise has also placed the Atlas Lions among the leading teams on the African continent.
The Ranking Is Still Unofficial
Despite the significance of the move, the fifth-place position should not yet be described as Morocco's official FIFA ranking.
FIFA's website currently lists July 20, 2026 as the latest official men's ranking, with the next official edition scheduled for October 7. FIFA also states that its live ranking remains unofficial until the relevant matches are approved as international “A” fixtures.
That means Morocco's position can still change during the current international window.
Gabon Match Could Affect the Picture
The Atlas Lions now have another opportunity to add points when they face Gabon in Rabat.
The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will open Morocco's AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign and could influence the live ranking depending on the result and the points calculation.
For the national team, however, the immediate priority remains the competitive fixture itself and beginning the qualification campaign positively.
Building on Morocco’s World Cup Run
Morocco enter this international window following an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, in which the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.
Their rise in the FIFA ranking is another reflection of the team's growing presence at the highest level of international football.
The next official ranking will provide the definitive picture, but for now, Morocco have moved above Brazil in the live standings and are sitting fifth in the world.
With Gabon awaiting in Rabat, the Atlas Lions have an opportunity to strengthen their position on the pitch as well as in the ranking table.