The results that impacted the Zebras' position included the last three matches at the COSAFA Cup in which Botswana finished the group stages without a win. They draw against Eswatini and South Africa, both goalless stalemates before a 3-1 loss to Mozambique in the final group match. Since April, the Zebras have lost twice in five assignments, with one victory against Somalia and the two draws at the COSAFA Cup. In Africa, Botswana is number 44 out of the 54 countries. The Zebras are next in action in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania in September. Botswana has been drawn against record champions, Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mauritania in a tricky group where the top two qualify for the 2025 edition, which Morocco hosts next year in December.
Meanwhile, Morocco remains Africa's top-ranked side as they are placed at number 14, after dropping two positions from 12th. Senegal is the continent's second-best-placed side at number 19, after slipping from 18th. South Africa is the best-placed side in the COSAFA region at number 10 in Africa and 57th in the world. In the overall standings, world champions, Argentina stayed top ahead of second-placed France. Spain made a significant leap after their recent triumph at the 2024 Euro finals, jumping five places from number eight to third spot. England, who lost to Spain in the final, moved up by one place to number four, swapping places with Brazil.
