Canada fell to No. 29 in the latest FIFA rankings after AFCON-driven movements boosted teams like Nigeria and Algeria. Upcoming friendlies (Uzbekistan, possible Tunisia/Iceland) and a World Cup group featuring Switzerland and Qatar could shift markets. Betting note: Switzerland looks likeliest favorite in Group B, while Canada’s friendlies may offer value on Canada wins or specific props as the side experiments.
Canada drops to No. 29 as AFCON shakes up FIFA rankings
Canada slipped two places to No. 29 in the latest FIFA world rankings, despite playing no Tier 1 internationals since the previous list. The movement reflects major gains by African teams after the Africa Cup of Nations rather than any recent competitive decline by the Canadians.
AFCON boosts African sides — Nigeria and Algeria lead the charge
Nigeria vaulted to No. 26, up 12 places after a strong AFCON showing that earned them a top-three finish. Algeria also climbed six places to No. 28. AFCON winner Senegal rose seven spots to No. 12, while Morocco reached an all-time high at No. 8. Semifinalists Egypt, Ivory Coast and DR Congo all climbed the table, reshaping the global pecking order.
Other movers and CONCACAF slide
Morocco’s rise pushed Belgium, Germany and Croatia down one spot each. Equatorial Guinea suffered the largest fall, dropping 10 places to No. 107. In CONCACAF, the top five nations slipped: the United States dropped to No. 15 and Mexico to No. 16. Panama and Costa Rica sit below Canada at Nos. 33 and 51, respectively.
Fixtures ahead: friendlies and World Cup group stage
Canada’s only match since Dec. 19 was a 1-0 win over Guatemala that did not affect rankings. The national team is scheduled to face Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1; Uzbekistan sits at No. 52. Reports link Tunisia (No. 47) and Iceland (No. 74) as possible March opponents. At the World Cup this summer, Canada will meet No. 18 Switzerland and No. 56 Qatar in Group B, with the group completed by the winner of a European playoff that could feature Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What this means for bettors
Ranking shifts influence market perception. Switzerland’s higher standing and consistent form make them firm favorites in Group B markets, so punters should expect shorter outright odds on them. Canada's drop to No. 29 and the likely experimental nature of friendlies present opportunities: bettors might find value backing Canada in select friendlies or targeting player props and under/over goals lines as coaches rotate squads. In tournament markets, consider draw/no-bet and handicap options when backing Canada against higher-ranked opponents.
Historical context
Canada’s best-ever FIFA position was No. 26 in September; the side’s lowest was No. 122 in August and September 2014. The current ranking places the team within reach of its peak but also highlights the volatility tied to other nations’ tournament performances.
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The Canadian men have dropped two places to No. 29 in the latest FIFA rankings, despite not playing a Tier 1 international since the last ratings were released.
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