The most recent FIFA rankings show a drop of two positions for the Canadian men’s national team to No. 29, despite their absence from Tier 1 international matches since the previous rankings. Nigeria and Algeria have overtaken Canada, climbing to positions 26 and 28, respectively, following their performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Canada’s sole match after the last rankings release was a 1-0 victory against Guatemala in a B international match in Los Angeles, which did not impact the FIFA rankings. Meanwhile, Guatemala remains steady at No. 94.
There have been no changes in the top seven rankings, with Spain leading the pack ahead of Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Morocco has re-entered the top 10 after more than two decades, securing the eighth spot. Senegal, the AFCON champions, have climbed seven places to No. 12, while Equatorial Guinea suffered the biggest drop, falling 10 places to No. 107.
Several African teams made significant movements in the rankings post the continental championship. Egypt rose to 31st place, Ivory Coast to 37th, and Congo DR to 48th.
In the CONCACAF region, the top five teams all experienced declines, with the U.S. and Mexico dropping to 15th and 16th places, respectively. Panama and Costa Rica are positioned below Canada at 33rd and 51st, respectively. Canada’s upcoming opponent, Uzbekistan, also fell two spots to No. 52.
Upcoming matches for Canada include fixtures against Tunisia and Iceland in the March international window, while they are set to face Switzerland and Qatar in Group B at the upcoming World Cup. Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will compete in a European playoff to complete Canada’s group.
Canada achieved its highest-ever ranking of No. 26 in September and had previously dropped as low as No. 122 in August and September 2014.