Key Takeaways
- Senegal’s strong performance in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations led to a significant rise in the FIFA World Rankings, with the team moving up seven places to 12th overall.
- The USA and Mexico were negatively impacted by Senegal’s rise, dropping to 15th and 16th in the rankings, respectively.
- Canada also slipped in the rankings, dropping two places to 29th after Nigeria and Algeria made gains.
- The USA has no upcoming fixtures until March, while Mexico has a busy schedule of preparation matches under head coach Javier Aguirre.
Introduction to the Latest FIFA World Rankings
The January 2026 FIFA World Ranking has been released, and it’s clear that the recent CAF Africa Cup of Nations had a significant impact on the standings. Several African nations made major gains, with Senegal being the biggest mover. The team’s impressive tournament run propelled them up seven places to 12th overall, causing a ripple effect on the rankings of other teams. The USA and Mexico, in particular, felt the impact of Senegal’s rise, as they dropped to 15th and 16th, respectively.
The Impact of AFCON on CONCACAF Rankings
Senegal’s emergence as the biggest mover in the rankings is a testament to their strong performance in the AFCON. The team’s seven-position jump to 12th overall is a significant achievement, and it’s interesting to note how this rise affected other teams in the CONCACAF region. The USA and Mexico, traditionally two of the strongest teams in the region, slipped down the rankings as a result of Senegal’s gain. This setback may be a cause for concern for both teams, as they look to prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Canada’s Ranking Slip
Canada, the third-highest-ranked team in CONCACAF, also felt the effects of the AFCON-driven reshuffle. With Nigeria climbing to 26th and Algeria gaining two spots to reach 28th, Canada dropped two places to settle into 29th in the latest FIFA ranking. This slip may not be a significant concern for Canada, but it’s worth noting that the team will need to be aware of the shifting landscape in the rankings as they prepare for future competitions.
Upcoming Fixtures for the USA and Mexico
The USA and Mexico have different schedules ahead of them, with the USA not returning to action until March. The team has no additional fixtures announced before their upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal later that month. In contrast, Mexico has a busy schedule of preparation matches under head coach Javier Aguirre. El Tri will face Panama, travel to Bolivia, and host Iceland in Querétaro on February 25, as Aguirre fine-tunes his squad ahead of naming his World Cup list. These upcoming fixtures will be crucial for both teams as they look to prepare for future competitions and improve their rankings.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The latest FIFA World Rankings have provided an interesting insight into the current state of international football. The impact of the AFCON on the rankings has been significant, with several African nations making major gains. As teams look to prepare for upcoming competitions, the USA and Mexico will need to be aware of the shifting landscape in the rankings. With different schedules ahead of them, it will be interesting to see how both teams perform in their upcoming fixtures and how they adapt to the changing rankings. One thing is certain, however: the road to the next World Cup will be filled with challenges and opportunities for teams to make their mark on the international stage.
