Angola has ended the 2024 FIFA World Rankings in 85th place, amassing 1,296 points. This marks a remarkable rise of 32 positions over the past year, earning Angola the distinction of being the team with the greatest progress globally, according to FIFA.
The Angolan national football team’s ascent into the top 100 is a testament to a year of consistent performance and resilience. Beginning 2024 ranked 117th, Angola’s exceptional journey culminated in their current position of 85th, showcasing the team’s growing prowess on the international stage.
Angola’s achievements in 2024 include losing just one official match—a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire. This performance highlights their competitive edge in a year dominated by regional and international tournaments.
Angola’s campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was played in early 2024, proved to be a defining moment. The team started with a 1-1 draw against Algeria, followed by commanding victories over Burkina Faso (2-0) and Namibia (3-0). Their journey ended in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought match against Nigeria.
While Nigeria ultimately eliminated Angola, the team’s performance in the competition underscored their ability to compete against some of Africa’s top footballing nations. The tournament, won by the host nation Côte d’Ivoire, provided Angola with a platform to showcase their talent and determination.
Angola’s success extended beyond AFCON. In the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Angola delivered an impressive unbeaten campaign, winning four matches and drawing two out of six. This strong performance secured their place in the tournament and further demonstrated their readiness to compete at the highest levels.
In the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Angola has also made a promising start. They secured a 1-0 victory over Eswatini and held Cameroon to a 1-1 draw, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a spot in the prestigious global tournament set to be hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Angola’s meteoric rise in the FIFA rankings places them among Africa’s most improved teams. The continent’s best-ranked team remains Morocco, holding the 14th position with 1,688 points. Morocco’s status as Africa’s football powerhouse underscores their strong performances in recent years.
Globally, Argentina continues to dominate the FIFA World Rankings, retaining the top spot with 1,867 points. However, Angola’s progress serves as an inspiration for other African nations striving to make their mark on the global football stage.
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