The most recent FIFA rankings show a decline for the Canadian men’s national team, dropping two spots to No. 29. This change occurred despite not participating in any Tier 1 international matches since the previous rankings. Nigeria and Algeria climbed above Canada, with Nigeria rising 12 places to No. 26 and Algeria moving up six spots to No. 28 following their performances in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Canada’s most recent match, a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in a B international game in Los Angeles, did not impact their FIFA ranking as it was not a recognized fixture. The top seven positions in the rankings remained unchanged, with Spain leading the pack ahead of Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Morocco made a notable return to the top 10, securing the eighth position, the highest in their history. Notable movements in the rankings included Senegal climbing to No. 12 after winning the AFCON, while Equatorial Guinea experienced the most significant drop, falling 10 places to No. 107.
Among the CONCACAF teams, the U.S. and Mexico each slipped one spot to No. 15 and No. 16, respectively. Canada now sits ahead of Panama (33rd, down three) and Costa Rica (51st, down two) in the rankings. Uzbekistan, Canada’s upcoming opponent in a friendly on June 1 in Edmonton, dropped two places to No. 52.
Looking ahead, reports suggest that Canada will face Tunisia (No. 47, down six) and Iceland (No. 74, unchanged) in the upcoming March international window. Additionally, Canada is set to compete against Switzerland (No. 18, down one) and Qatar (No. 56, down two) in Group B at the upcoming World Cup, with the final team in their group to be determined from a European playoff involving Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Canada’s current ranking of No. 29 represents a decline from their highest-ever position of No. 26 achieved in September, with the team having previously been ranked as low as No. 122 back in August and September 2014.
