In a continent as passionate about football as Africa, it is no surprise that fans are always looking for the best nations to support. Every year, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) publishes its ranking of the top 10 African nations based on performance. This year again, Morocco is at the top of the world podium followed by other powers such as Cameroon, Egypt, Algeria and Senegal. While discussing this topic, it’s worth mentioning that there are various online sites available that cater to individuals who are looking for options outside the self-exclusion programme. These sites provide an alternative for those seeking to engage in sports and related activities. Would you like to know who is in this Top 10? So follow us in this article until the grand finale!
The 8 best football nations in Africa according to FIFA:
According to FIFA’s monthly rankings, 8 of the top African nations are currently ranked among the continent’s biggest international teams. Morocco is currently at the top of a ranking which highlights the exploits of African national teams on the international stage.
Morocco
Morocco, with its Beautiful Lion Team, is currently ranked 8th in the FIFA world rankings and first in Africa. The Moroccan selection has experienced remarkable recent development and remained undefeated after 21 consecutive matches between January 2017 and December 2019.
Due to its great success on the international stage, Morocco is now considered one of the best football nations in Africa.
The teams that managed to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations
Many other African national teams have featured in major international championships this year. Countries such as Cameroon, Egypt and Algeria have all won major national titles this year, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Other nations such as Senegal and Tunisia also fought for the continental title before ultimately being defeated by Cameroon.
Egypt
Egypt, a nation that has won several African titles and often tops the African rankings. Egypt has always been a nation that stands out on the African football scene. Known for its numerous titles, Egypt has won the continental title several times. This year, the team has made a big impact on the world rankings by maintaining its place among the best African nations.
Algeria
Algeria, a nation with a large number of talented players and a strong team. The Algerians are considered one of the strongest nations in Africa in terms of squad and style of play. The Algerian selection is made up of players from across the continent and can count on their talent to achieve satisfactory results. Indeed, Algeria is one of the 10 best football nations on the continent.
Senegal
Senegal, a team with talented players and a strong presence on the African scene. Senegal is no exception to this African football success. The Lions of Teranga are among the best nations on the continent thanks to their aforementioned performances and the talent of its players, notably Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. The team continues to progress in the world rankings and remains a safe bet for those looking for an international force in African football.
Cameroon
Cameroon, a nation having won several African titles and having participated in several World Cups. Cameroon has been considered one of the most important international forces on the continent for several years. Indeed, the Cameroonian selection has won the CAN several times and has participated in four World Cups since 1990.
Tunisia
Tunisia, a team which managed to qualify for the last World Cup and which regularly ranks among the best African teams. Tunisia is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa when it comes to football. The Arab-African National Team (ENAA) reached the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup and continues to be among the main continental powers. Tunisia is currently ranked 15th African nation according to FIFA.
Nigeria & Ghana
Nigeria and Ghana are two nations that have also seen some success in Africa this year. Nigeria won the 2019 AFCON and had a good performance at the 2018 World Cup. For its part, Ghana shone during the last African Cup of Nations in 2021 and holds its place among the best nations on the continent.
3 African Players in Focus
Below, we highlight the 3 best players who will look to catapult their teams onto the world stage.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
The SSC Napoli player is one of the best defenders in the world. Just like Mané, he played in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with his national team and hopes for further success with the Senegalese, starting with qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There he will try to build on the success of 2002, when the team reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. At that time, the current national coach Aliou Cissé was part of the squad. But first of all, Koulibaly wants to bring his entire class to the continental qualifying competition.
Edouard Mendy (Senegal)
Mendy had to work hard to break into the elite of world football. After leaving AS Cherbourg, a club in the French third division, in the summer of 2014, he was initially without a club. His wife was pregnant and unemployment benefits were not enough to cover the family’s living expenses. So he looked for something else to do outside of football. At the same time, he trained in the gym or with his brother in the evenings. First Olympique Marseille knocked on his door, later Stade Reims and Stade Rennes. A little later, the goalkeeper became a star at Chelsea FC and won the UEFA Champions League with the club. He is without a doubt the goalkeeper who will receive the most attention in this World Cup preliminary round.
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Riyad Mahrez is the big star of the Algerian selection. His journey began in Le Havre, he was later signed by Leicester City and, together with Jamie Vardy, played an important role in the first Premier League title win in the club’s history. He later moved to Manchester City, with whom he won several titles. He also won the African Cup of Nations with Algeria. Now he wants to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar with his national team. Mahrez only played one game for the Algerians at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He is certainly one of the players whose name will be in the spotlight in these African qualifiers.
