Table of Contents
The January 2026 FIFA World Ranking was heavily influenced by the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with several African nations making major gains. Senegal's strong tournament run pushed them up seven places to 12th overall, directly affecting both the USA and Mexico, who dropped to 15th and 16th, respectively.
AFCON impacts CONCACAF rankings
Senegal emerged as the biggest mover, climbing seven positions to reach 12th overall after an impressive AFCON campaign. Their rise proved costly for both the USA and Mexico, who slipped to 15th and 16th, respectively, marking a slight setback for CONCACAF'S traditional heavyweights.
Canada also slip
Canada were also affected by the AFCON-driven reshuffle. As the third-highest-ranked team in CONCACAF, Jesse Marsch’s side dropped two places after Nigeria climbed to 26th and Algeria gained two spots to reach 28th. As a result, Canada settled into 29th in the latest FIFA ranking.
What comes next for the USA?
The United States will not return to action until March, with no additional fixtures announced before their upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal later that month.
What comes next for Mexico?
Mexico, by contrast, has scheduled several preparation matches under head coach Javier Aguirre. El Tri will face Panama this Thursday, travel to Bolivia on Sunday, and host Iceland in Querétaro on Feb. 25, as Aguirre fine-tunes his squad ahead of naming his World Cup list.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
What did you think of this story?
share
recommended
Switching Sides? Mexico Squad For January Features 3 Former USA Players
United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times
Senegal World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History
Kylian Mbappe Out Indefinitely After Premature Return From Knee Injury
2026 World Cup Odds: Spain Remains Favorite After Draw
Which 10 teams have the best odds to win the 2026 World Cup, one year out?
2026 World Cup Locations: Games, Schedule for All 16 Cities
1,000 Goals & Euro 2028: Will Cristiano Ronaldo Reach Those Targets?
The 26: Projecting USA's World Cup Roster and Clearing Up the Backline Debate
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3 
Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic 
FIFA Men's World Cup 
United States 
Spain 
Argentina 
Mexico
NEXT STORY
2026 World Cup Playoffs: Schedule, Bracket, Teams
recommended
Switching Sides? Mexico Squad For January Features 3 Former USA Players
United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times
Senegal World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History
Kylian Mbappe Out Indefinitely After Premature Return From Knee Injury
2026 World Cup Odds: Spain Remains Favorite After Draw
Which 10 teams have the best odds to win the 2026 World Cup, one year out?
2026 World Cup Locations: Games, Schedule for All 16 Cities
1,000 Goals & Euro 2028: Will Cristiano Ronaldo Reach Those Targets?
The 26: Projecting USA's World Cup Roster and Clearing Up the Backline Debate
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3Original Article
