Nigeria they may not be included in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Super Eagles still have reason to keep a close eye on events as several nations continue to conquer them in FIFA ranking.
The three-time African champions failed to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, they have benefited from results elsewhere, moving from 26th to 24th in the FIFA live rankings despite not playing a game.
That rise has been aided by disappointing performances from the likes of Portugal, Senegal, Belgium, Algeria and Ecuador, all of whom lost valuable ranking points during the competition.
Australia, Egypt among the growing challengers
While some nations bowed out, others used their good performances at the World Cup to close the gap on Nigeria.
Australia are now 25th in the live rankings after an encouraging start to the tournament. The Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 in their opening game before suffering a 2-0 loss to co-hosts the United States.
They are still in contention for a place in the round of 16 and could overtake Nigeria if they beat Paraguay in their final group game and continue to progress in the tournament.
Egypt also increased their chances of qualifying. The Pharaohs climbed to 26th after drawing 1-1 with Belgium and securing a historic 3-1 win over New Zealand, their first ever World Cup victory.
Led by captain Mohamed Salah, Egypt top Group G with four points. Another positive result against Iran could put them ahead of the Super Eagles.
Norway and Canada continue the upward trend
Norway have made one of the biggest rises in the rankings so far, climbing to 27th after a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq in their opening game.
With Erling Haaland in good form, the Scandinavians are in a good position to pick up more points for the rankings if they keep their momentum against Senegal going.
Canada, meanwhile, emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. The co-hosts climbed to 28th after a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a 6-0 loss to Qatar.
Jonathan David’s hat-trick inspired Canada to their first World Cup victory, leaving them atop Group B with four points.
Although Nigeria are currently ahead of all four nations, further success by Australia, Egypt, Norway and Canada at the World Cup could soon see the Super Eagles lose ground in the global rankings.
