Berlin, December 22, 2025
Germany’s FIFA Ranking Faces Pressure as Morocco Rises
The German national football team concludes 2025 ranked ninth globally, but a strong performance by Morocco is quickly closing the gap.
- Spain maintains its position as the world’s top-ranked team heading into the 2026 World Cup year.
- Morocco’s recent successes, including a win against Comoros and a title in the Arab Cup, are pushing them closer to the top 10.
- Kosovo experienced the largest ranking increase of 2025, climbing 19 places to 80th.
Germany is holding onto its ninth-place ranking in the FIFA world rankings as 2025 draws to a close, but the team now faces increasing pressure from Morocco. The Moroccan squad is rapidly gaining ground, fueled by recent victories and a growing presence on the international stage.
Spain Remains Atop the Global Rankings
Spain enters the 2026 World Cup year as the number one team in the FIFA world rankings. The reigning European champions have held the top spot since September, displacing Argentina. Lionel Messi and his teammates currently sit in second place, followed by France (3rd), England (4th), and Brazil (5th).
Germany secured ninth place in November, just in time for the World Cup draw, and will maintain that position through the end of the year. However, Morocco’s ascent is a clear indication of shifting power dynamics in international football.
The host nation of the Africa Cup, Morocco, won their opening game against Comoros 2-0 on Friday. Currently ranked eleventh, behind Germany and Croatia, Morocco has been steadily gaining points. Their recent victory in the Arab Cup in Qatar in December narrowed the gap to Croatia to just 0.54 points. A strong showing at the Africa Cup of Nations could propel Morocco into the top 10 – a feat they last achieved in March 1998.
Only minor changes occurred within the top 50 rankings compared to November. Algeria surpassed Egypt, climbing to 34th, while Hungary moved ahead of Tunisia, which fell to 41st without playing any recent matches.
Significant Ranking Gains for Kosovo and Suriname
Kosovo experienced the most significant ranking improvement of 2025, gaining 89.02 points. This surge propelled them 19 places to 80th, securing a spot in the World Cup play-offs where they will face Slovakia away in March.
Norway (29th, with a 68.70-point increase) and Suriname (123rd, improving 15 places) also made notable gains. Suriname, despite being an underdog, still harbors hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, while Norway, led by Erling Haaland, has already secured their place through a flawless qualification campaign.
