Morocco remain Africa’s flagbearers, sitting sixth in the world after their impressive 1-1 draw with Brazil and 1-0 win over Scotland. Senegal are the continent’s next best at 16th, despite their opening defeat to France.
Egypt sit 29th following their dramatic 1-1 draw with Belgium, just ahead of Ivory Coast in 30th, who currently lead Group E after their late win over Ecuador.
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Since the World Cup commenced, Nigeria has moved up two places to 24th in the FIFA World Rankings, their highest position since May 2010 (21st).
This is despite not playing in the competition 😴 pic.twitter.com/pcyQFDBpFC
— Soar Africa! (@SSE_NGA) June 20, 2026
Algeria sit 31st despite their heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina, while DR Congo occupy 43rd spot after holding Portugal to a draw. Tunisia have slipped to 54th following their 5-1 humiliation against Sweden, a result that contributed to coach Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal.
South Africa sit 61st, with their battling 1-1 draw against Czechia doing little to move the needle. Cape Verde, debutants at this World Cup, sit 63rd despite holding Spain to a goalless draw, while Ghana round out Africa’s representatives at 65th following their dramatic stoppage-time win over Panama.
Notably absent from the list of African nations at the tournament is Nigeria, who remain the continent’s highest-ranked side not competing in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Super Eagles have climbed to 24th in the world, ahead of both South Africa and Ghana, a reminder of the quality missing from this World Cup after Nigeria’s failure to qualify.
Photo: Reuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck
