Morocco began the November international break less than three points off fifth place in the FIFA rankings, with Brazil and Portugal narrowly ahead. It took just two days for the three teams to swap places.
The Atlas Lions did their part on Friday evening, beating Niger 5–1 in Casablanca. Achraf Hakimi scored twice, with Yassir Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir also on target as Mohamed Ouahbi’s side recorded a third straight win in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Morocco’s first move came on Saturday morning when Brazil lost 3–2 to Japan in a friendly in Singapore despite a brace from Vinícius Júnior. Brazil’s tally fell from 1,806.51 to 1,800.36 points, allowing Morocco to move above them into sixth in the live rankings.
Hours later, Portugal lost 4–1 to Denmark in Braga in the UEFA Nations League. The defeat cost Portugal 10.09 points and dropped them from fifth to seventh on 1,797.60, while Morocco climbed to fifth with 1,805.34 points.
The Atlas Lions now lead sixth-placed Brazil by 4.98 points and seventh-placed Portugal by 7.74. Fifth equals Morocco’s best-ever position and the highest ranking achieved by an African team, a mark Nigeria reached in April 1994.
Morocco face Niger again on Tuesday, 17 November, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. A win in their fourth qualifier would take them to 12 points at the top of Group A and strengthen their position in the world rankings.
That same day, Brazil wrap up their 2026 schedule against Singapore at the National Stadium in the first meeting between the two sides. Portugal travel to Cardiff to face Wales, needing a point to clinch top spot in their Nations League group.
All three results will count towards the official FIFA update on Wednesday, 18 November, when Morocco will find out whether they have held on to fifth place.
