Super Eagles FIFA ranking in danger: 4 World Cup teams closing in on Nigeria

Nigeria may not be participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Super Eagles are still keeping a close eye on developments in the tournament because of their position in the FIFA rankings, Afrik-Foot reports.

The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, features 48 national teams battling for football’s biggest prize. Nigeria failed to qualify after a disappointing campaign in the African qualifiers, while fellow giants Italy also missed out on the tournament.

Despite their absence, the Super Eagles, one of the tourney’s best debutants, entered the World Cup ranked 26th in the world. Interestingly, Nigeria have climbed two places to 24th in the live FIFA rankings without playing a single match since the tournament began.

That rise has largely been caused by poor performances from countries such as Portugal, Senegal, Belgium, Algeria and Ecuador, all of whom have dropped points and slipped down the rankings ladder after difficult starts in North America.

However, while some nations are falling, others are enjoying impressive runs and rapidly gaining ranking points. Four teams in particular started the tournament below Nigeria but are now moving dangerously close to the Super Eagles’ position. If their strong form continues, they could soon move ahead of Nigeria in the global standings.

Australia closing in on Super Eagles

Australia have quietly moved up to 25th in the live FIFA rankings and are now one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s position.

The Socceroos opened their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye. Young winger Nestory Irankunda and midfielder Connor Metcalfe were both on target as Australia secured three valuable points.

Their momentum was halted in the second match when they lost 2-0 to co-hosts United States. Defender Cameron Burgess unfortunately scored an own goal before Alex Freeman added a second for the Americans.

Despite the setback, Australia remain second in Group D with three points and are firmly in the race for qualification to the Round of 32.

Their final group match comes on June 26 against Paraguay. Victory in that encounter would not only strengthen their knockout hopes but could also provide enough ranking points to move them above Nigeria.

Egypt making World Cup history

Former African champions Egypt are enjoying their best-ever World Cup start and have already climbed three places to 26th in the live rankings.

The Pharaohs began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Belgium, a result that immediately boosted confidence within the squad.

They then followed it up with a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand. The win was particularly significant because it was Egypt’s first-ever victory at a World Cup tournament.

Captain Mohamed Salah produced a brilliant performance, contributing a goal and an assist. Mostafa Ziko also registered a goal and an assist, while Trezeguet completed the scoring late in the contest.

Those results have placed Egypt at the top of Group G with four points heading into their final group fixture.

A victory against Iran on June 27 would strengthen Egypt’s position further and could see the North Africans leapfrog Nigeria in the FIFA rankings.

Norway riding on Haaland’s brilliance

Norway have made one of the biggest jumps of any nation at the tournament, climbing four places to 27th in the live rankings.

The Scandinavian side have only played one match so far, but it was enough to send a strong message to the rest of the competition.

Norway crushed Iraq 4-1 in their opening fixture, with star striker Erling Haaland leading the charge. The Manchester City forward scored twice in the first half before Leo Østigård got on the scoresheet. Iraq’s misery was completed by a late own goal.

The convincing victory placed Norway at the summit of Group I on goal difference and significantly boosted their ranking points.

Their next challenge comes against Senegal on June 22. Should Haaland and his teammates continue collecting positive results and secure qualification to the knockout rounds, Norway are likely to move ahead of Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Canada benefiting from home advantage

Co-hosts Canada have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the competition and are now ranked 28th in the live standings after gaining two places.

The Canadians began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cyle Larin rescued a point with a dramatic 78th-minute equaliser, earning Canada their first-ever World Cup point.

They followed that result with an unforgettable 6-0 demolition of Qatar. Jonathan David stole the headlines with a remarkable hat-trick, while Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net. Canada benefited from a Qatari own goal as they secured their first-ever World Cup victory in emphatic style.

The huge win has left Canada top of Group B with four points and an impressive goal difference of plus six.

Their next match against Switzerland on June 24 will determine who finishes first in the group. If Canada maintain their momentum and continue progressing deep into the competition, they could quickly move beyond the Super Eagles in the FIFA rankings.