Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, have surged four places to 41st in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, reclaiming a spot among Africa’s top five teams. The updated rankings, released on Friday, reflect a strong performance in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The three-time African champions leapfrogged Ivory Coast, now ranked 42nd globally, following back-to-back victories — a 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane and a dominant 4–0 triumph against Benin Republic in Uyo. These results not only boosted Nigeria’s ranking points but also secured their place in the continental playoff stage for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria will next face Gabon, ranked 77th in the world and 15th in Africa, in a crucial playoff tie. A win could set up a final-round clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo.
Africa’s Top Ten Teams
Despite slipping one place to 12th globally, Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked team. Senegal follows at 18th in the world, with Egypt (32nd), Algeria (35th), and Nigeria (41st) completing the continent’s top five. The rest of Africa’s top ten includes Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, and South Africa.
Global Rankings Overview
Spain continues to lead the global rankings after securing World Cup qualifying wins over Georgia and Bulgaria. Argentina, the reigning world champions, climbed back into second place following friendly victories against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. France, currently third, missed an opportunity to advance after a 2–2 draw with Iceland, despite a 3–0 win over Azerbaijan.
The latest rankings underscore Nigeria’s resurgence on the international stage and set the tone for a competitive run toward the 2026 World Cup in North America.