Nigeria stand out as only top African side to miss 2026 World Cup in new Fifa rankings

Nigeria have been left as the sole absentee among Africa’s leading football nations at the 2026 World Cup, according to the latest Fifa men’s world rankings released on Monday morning.

The Super Eagles remain 26th in the world and fourth in Africa, but are the only side in the continent’s top seven not to have appeared at the recently concluded global tournament.

Football’s world governing body, Fifa, published the updated standings on its official platform, with allnigeriasoccer.com reporting the implications for Nigeria’s standing on the continent and beyond.

Super Eagles trail African heavyweights

Morocco continue to lead the African rankings, reinforcing their status after recent strong showings at major tournaments. The Atlas Lions are followed by Senegal and Egypt, with Nigeria in fourth position.

Algeria, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo complete Africa’s top seven – all of whom, unlike Nigeria, featured at the 2026 World Cup.

Cameroon, Mali and South Africa round off the continent’s top 10, underlining the depth of competition Nigeria face as they attempt to reassert themselves among Africa’s elite.

The rankings underscore the sense of missed opportunity for the Super Eagles, whose failure to reach the World Cup has been widely regarded as a major setback for a team traditionally seen as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

World champions Spain rise to number one

On the global stage, newly crowned world champions Spain have climbed to the summit of the Fifa rankings.

La Roja now occupy first place ahead of Argentina, who drop to second, with France, England and Brazil completing the top five.

Spain’s rise reflects their successful World Cup campaign, while traditional heavyweights such as Argentina, France and Brazil maintain their positions near the top despite recent mixed results.

AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Nigeria favourites on paper

Nigeria’s upcoming opponents in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are all ranked significantly lower by Fifa.

Madagascar are placed 104th in the world, Tanzania 112th and Guinea-Bissau 132nd.

On paper, those standings make Nigeria clear favourites to progress from their group, but the Super Eagles’ recent failure to reach the World Cup serves as a warning that rankings alone do not guarantee success on the pitch.

The Nigerian Football Federation and the national team coaching staff are expected to come under renewed scrutiny as attention turns to ensuring qualification for the continental showpiece and restoring confidence among supporters.

Next rankings update

Fifa has confirmed that the next edition of the men’s world rankings will be released on 7 October 2026 on its official website, fifa.com.

Between now and then, results in competitive fixtures, including Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international friendlies, will determine whether Nigeria can close the gap on the continent’s leading sides – or risk slipping further behind their rivals.