Nigeria Rise in FIFA Rankings Despite Play-off Exit

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed from 41st to 38th in the latest FIFA Rankings, released on Wednesday after 149 matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifying window. The rise comes despite their African play-off loss to DR Congo, which ended 4–3 on penalties. The defeat counts as a draw in FIFA’s system, helping Nigeria’s overall points tally.

Their 4–1 win over Gabon also played a major role in the improved ranking. Nigeria remain among Africa’s top five teams, sitting behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.

On the global stage, Spain, Argentina, France, and England kept their top-four spots, while Brazil climbed to fifth ahead of the Netherlands and Portugal. Germany and Croatia complete the top 10.