FIFA released its latest ranking on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, with Nigeria losing ground after recording a mixed set of results during the latest round of international fixtures.
Super Eagles fall from 26th to 30th
Nigeria entered the latest ranking period in 26th position globally, but the Super Eagles have now slipped four places to 30th.
The drop followed a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly.
Despite recovering from a difficult start to the window with an entertaining draw against Russia, Nigeria's overall results were not enough to prevent a decline in their FIFA ranking.
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Nigeria now sixth in Africa
The Super Eagles have also suffered a significant drop in the continental standings.
Nigeria have moved from fourth to sixth in Africa, with Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire now ranked above Eric Chelle's side.
Morocco remain Africa's highest-ranked team at seventh in the world, followed by Senegal in 18th, Egypt in 25th, Algeria in 28th and Côte d’Ivoire in 29th.
Nigeria occupy 30th position globally and complete the African top six.
African top 10
• Morocco: 7th in the world
• Senegal: 18th
• Egypt: 25th
• Algeria: 28th
• Côte d’Ivoire: 29th
• Nigeria: 30th
• DR Congo: 40th
• Cameroon: 43rd
• Mali: 46th
• South Africa: 48th
Nigeria's latest position represents a setback for the three-time African champions, who will be looking to regain ground in their next competitive fixtures.
Spain retain world number one spot
At the top of the global ranking, Spain remain number one, ahead of Argentina and France.
England are fourth, while Portugal have moved into fifth. Brazil, Morocco, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the global top 10.
FIFA's next men's world ranking is scheduled for 18 November 2026.