By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria have retained 26th position in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking released after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles also remain the fourth-highest ranked team in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal and Egypt.
The latest rankings reflect performances at the expanded 48-team World Cup, with Spain returning to the top of the global standings after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final to win the tournament. Argentina dropped to second, while Brazil climbed to fifth.
Morocco consolidated their place as Africa’s highest-ranked side after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals and moved up to sixth in the world.
Egypt climbed five places to 24th globally, while Ghana made one of the biggest gains, rising eight places to 65th.
DR Congo also improved to 41st, and South Africa climbed to 54th. Tunisia recorded the biggest drop among Africa’s leading teams, falling 12 places to 57th following an early exit from the World Cup.
Although Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles remain among Africa’s top-ranked teams.
Focus will now shift to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the qualification campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
