Super Eagles maintain 26th global ranking, drop to fourth in Africa
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings. However, the team has slipped to fourth place among African nations, according to the updated standings released on Monday. This shift in continental standing comes despite no change in their global ranking.
The Super Eagles‘ global ranking remained consistent following their last international friendly match in June, which resulted in a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. With no competitive fixtures played since that time, the outcome of the friendly had minimal impact on Nigeria‘s overall position in the world rankings.
Despite retaining their global standing, Nigeria was surpassed in the African rankings by Egypt. Egypt‘s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup contributed to their rise on the continent. The Pharaohs advanced to the Round of 16 in the tournament before being eliminated after a 3-2 loss to Argentina, who were the eventual runners-up.
African and Global Ranking Shifts
Morocco continues to hold the top spot as Africa’s highest-ranked team. Their strong performance at the World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, contributed to their improved global standing. The Atlas Lions moved up one place, from seventh to sixth, in the world rankings. This places them just one spot away from equaling the highest ranking ever achieved by an African team, a record set by Nigeria in April 1994.
Senegal remains the second-best team in Africa, despite experiencing a three-place drop in the global rankings. Algeria occupies the fifth position on the continent, having also dropped one spot worldwide. Egypt‘s ascent of five spots to 24th globally was a significant factor in their displacement of Nigeria from the third position in Africa.
Globally, Spain has reclaimed the number one ranking after their victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Spain defeated Argentina in the final, leading to their replacement at the summit of the rankings. This marks the first time since January that Spain has been at the top of the rankings, having beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday.
Argentina now holds the second position globally. France and England complete the top four teams in the world rankings, with Brazil moving into fifth place. Portugal experienced a two-place drop, falling to seventh globally, following their exit in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. Belgium moved up to eighth, while the Netherlands dropped to ninth. Mexico entered the top 10 after climbing four places, and Norway made a significant jump of 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.
Notable Changes in the Rankings
Several other nations saw notable movements in the latest FIFA rankings. Germany fell out of the top 10, dropping to 12th place, one spot ahead of Croatia. Italy, who did not qualify for the World Cup, slipped to 15th. Tunisia experienced the largest fall, dropping 12 places to 57th.
Conversely, Paraguay rose seven places to 34th after reaching the World Cup last 16. Cabo Verde, who advanced to the Round of 32, climbed three places to 64th, positioned one spot ahead of Ghana, which moved up eight places. The next official update to the FIFA men’s world rankings is scheduled for October 7, 2026.
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Source: channelstv.com
