World Cup Performances Threaten Super Eagles Position In FIFA Rankings As Rivals Continue To Rise

World Cup Performances Threaten Super Eagles Position In FIFA Rankings As Rivals Continue To Rise

By BSN Sports 

Nigeria may not be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the Super Eagles still have a vested interest in the tournament as results continue to influence the latest FIFA rankings, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite failing to qualify for the competition being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Nigeria have climbed from 26th to 24th in the live FIFA rankings. The upward movement has largely been driven by poor performances from several higher-ranked nations, including Portugal, Senegal, Belgium, Algeria and Ecuador, all of whom have lost valuable ranking points during the tournament.

However, Nigeria's improved position could prove short-lived as a number of countries continue to make significant gains through strong World Cup performances.

Among the biggest movers are Australia, who have risen to 25th in the live rankings. The Socceroos opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye before suffering a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts the United States. Australia remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds and could surpass Nigeria if they secure further victories in the competition.

Egypt have also emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers. The Pharaohs climbed to 26th after drawing 1-1 with Belgium and recording a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup win.

Inspired by captain Mohamed Salah, Egypt currently top Group G with four points from two matches. Another positive result against Iran could further improve their ranking and potentially see them overtake the Super Eagles.

Norway have enjoyed one of the most significant ranking boosts of the tournament so far. The Scandinavian nation moved up to 27th after a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening fixture and 3-2 victory over Senegal.

With striker Erling Haaland leading the attack, Norway remain well placed to collect additional ranking points.

Canada have also impressed on home soil. The co-hosts climbed to 28th in the live rankings after drawing with Bosnia and Herzegovina before producing a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar.

A hat-trick from Jonathan David helped secure Canada's first-ever World Cup win and lifted them to the top of Group B with four points.

While Nigeria currently remain ahead of Australia, Egypt, Norway and Canada in the rankings, continued success for those nations at the World Cup could narrow the gap and potentially push the Super Eagles down the global standings in the coming weeks.