With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, the Uganda Cranes now have a clear view of the mountain they’ll have to climb in Group C when the tournament kicks off in Morocco this December.
Uganda find themselves alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbours Tanzania, a group that blends African giants with regional rivalry.
And with the latest FIFA Rankings released on November 19, the strength of this group is now easier to gauge.
Nigeria and Tunisia lead the pack
Nigeria head into AFCON as the highest-ranked team in Group C, sitting 38th in the world. The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most consistent forces, and their ranking underlines their status as group favourites.
Tunisia aren’t far behind. The Carthage Eagles are ranked 40th globally, making them the second-strongest team on paper in this group.
They’re also the only Group C side that qualified for the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing their pedigree.
The CAF rankings tell the same story, with Nigeria placed 5th in Africa, and Tunisia following at 6th.
Uganda slot in as the third-best ranked team
The Cranes are ranked 85th in the world, placing them third in Group C based on the latest FIFA standings.
It’s a competitive position for Uganda, behind the continental heavyweights but comfortably ahead of their closest neighbours.
On the African charts, Uganda sit 17th, showing they remain within the upper mid-tier of the continent heading into the tournament.
Tanzania bring up the rear
Tanzania complete the group as the lowest-ranked side at 112th globally, which makes them fourth in Group C according to the standings.
In Africa, the Taifa Stars are placed 27th, ten spots behind Uganda.
It sets up a familiar East African rivalry inside a high-pressure AFCON environment.
Rankings set the Stage, but the football will decide.
The numbers give Group C a clear hierarchy: Nigeria first, Tunisia second, Uganda third and Tanzania fourth.
But if AFCON history has taught anything, it’s that rankings don’t tell the full story once the whistle goes.
For now, these standings, released on November 19, offer the latest picture.
The next FIFA Rankings will be published on December 19, just two days before the tournament begins in Rabat on December 21.
Group C looks balanced, competitive and full of storylines. And if the rankings are anything to go by, the Cranes know exactly where they stand and what they must overturn to make their mark in Morocco.
