First Time in 30 years That All Quarter-Finalists Among Top 10 FIFA-Ranked Teams at AFCON 2025


By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has produced a rare statistical milestone, with all eight quarter-finalists drawn exclusively from the continent’s top-ranked teams, underlining the dominance of Africa’s traditional football powers at the tournament.

For the first time in more than 30 years, every team that has reached the last eight of the AFCON is ranked inside the top 10 of the FIFA rankings. The development highlights a competition largely free of major upsets, as pre-tournament favourites have justified their status on the pitch.

Leading the quarter-final cast are hosts Morocco, ranked number one in Africa, followed by defending champions Senegal in second place. Algeria (third) and Egypt (fourth) have also progressed, continuing their strong continental pedigree.

Completing the quarter-final lineup are Nigeria, ranked fifth, reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire in seventh place, Mali, ranked eighth, and Cameroon, tenth in the standings.

The absence of shock eliminations marks a clear departure from the tournament’s long-standing reputation for unpredictability, where lower-ranked teams often disrupt the established order. Instead, Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has been characterised by consistency, structure and tactical discipline, with heavyweight nations efficiently navigating the group and knockout stages.

Analysts say the trend reflects the narrowing gap in preparation between Africa’s elite teams and the rest of the field, as well as the growing emphasis on squad depth, game management and tournament experience.

With only top-tier teams remaining, the quarter-final stage is expected to deliver high-intensity encounters, as Africa’s best-ranked sides battle for a place in the semi-finals and the chance to lift the continent’s most coveted football prize.

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