Super Falcons Remain Africa’s Top-Ranked Team Ahead of 2026 WAFCON

Super Falcons Retain Top African Ranking

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will enter the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the continent’s highest‑ranked women’s side after holding steady at 36th place in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking released on Thursday.

This ranking is the final FIFA update before the tournament kicks off in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, where Nigeria will chase a record‑extending 11th WAFCON title. Although the team recorded back‑to‑back wins over Senegal during the recent international window, the global standing did not improve.

Nigeria remains comfortably ahead of nations such as Vietnam, Slovenia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Jamaica. More importantly, they stay Africa’s number‑one side ahead of next month’s continental showdown.

Rivals Move Slightly

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are the Falcons’ closest continental rivals, climbing one spot to 57th worldwide after a 5‑0 loss to Japan was followed by a 1‑0 victory over the same Asian opponent.

Ghana slipped to 60th, tournament hosts Morocco fell to 64th, and Zambia – who will meet Nigeria in the group stage – dropped to 65th despite a 3‑0 win over Zimbabwe.

Group C Outlook and World Cup Implications

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi. Egypt sits at 99th in the world, while Malawi is ranked 158th.

Beyond the race for the African crown, the 2026 WAFCON also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi‑finalists earn automatic qualification, and another African nation may advance via the inter‑continental play‑offs.

Global Rankings Snapshot

At the summit of the global rankings, Spain remains the world’s number one team, ahead of the United States, Germany, England and Japan. France rose to sixth place, while Brazil, Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands complete the top ten.

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Chima Longy

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