Super Eagles maintain global ranking but drop in Africa
Nigeria’s Position in Global and Continental Rankings
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings. This global standing remained unchanged following their last international friendly match in June, a 2-1 defeat against Portugal. With no competitive fixtures since that time, the outcome of the friendly had minimal impact on Nigeria’s global ranking.
Despite holding steady in the world standings, the Super Eagles experienced a shift in their continental ranking. They have dropped to fourth place among African nations, according to the updated standings released on Monday. This marks a one-spot decline for Nigeria within the African rankings.
The change in the African rankings saw Egypt overtake Nigeria. Egypt’s performance at the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup contributed to their rise, as they advanced to the Round of 16. The Pharaohs were eventually eliminated after a 3-2 loss to Argentina, who were the eventual runners-up in the tournament. Egypt climbed five spots in the global rankings to 24th, displacing Nigeria from the third position in Africa.
African and Global Top Teams
Morocco continues to lead as Africa’s highest-ranked team. The Atlas Lions achieved a quarter-final finish at the World Cup, which also improved their global standing. They moved up one place from seventh to sixth in the world rankings. Morocco’s current global ranking is just one spot away from matching the highest ranking ever achieved by an African team, a feat Nigeria accomplished in April 1994.
Following Morocco, Senegal remains the second-best team in Africa, despite experiencing a three-place slip in the global rankings. Algeria occupies the fifth position on the continent, having dropped one spot worldwide. The top five African teams are currently Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria.
Globally, Spain has reclaimed the number one ranking after their victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new world champions replaced Argentina at the summit, having defeated them 1-0 in the final match on Sunday. This marks Spain’s return to the top of the rankings for the first time since January.
Movements in the World Rankings
Argentina, after their defeat in the final, now sits in second place in the world rankings. France remains in third position, while England retains its fourth spot. Brazil climbed to fifth, completing the top five teams globally. Portugal, on the other hand, dropped two places to seventh after their Round of 16 exit at the World Cup.
Other notable movements include Belgium moving up to eighth, swapping places with the Netherlands, who dropped to ninth. Mexico climbed four places to enter the top 10. Norway saw the biggest jump, moving up 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. Conversely, Germany fell out of the top 10, dropping to 12th, one place ahead of Croatia. Italy, who did not qualify for the World Cup, slipped to 15th.
Tunisia experienced the largest fall in the rankings, dropping 12 places to 57th. Meanwhile, Paraguay rose seven places to 34th after reaching the World Cup last 16. Cabo Verde, who reached the Round of 32, climbed three places to 64th, one spot ahead of Ghana, who moved up eight places. The next FIFA men’s world rankings are scheduled to be published on October 7, 2026.
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Source: channelstv.com
