Nigeria has sparked widespread debate after slipping from 38th to 39th position in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, now standing fifth in Africa. This decline has come amid a busy June and July, featuring three continental competitions and numerous international friendlies, culminating in 125 matches worldwide.
While Argentina (1st) tightened their grip on the top spot after defending their CONMEBOL Copa América title, and France (2nd) remained their closest challenger following their UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final appearance, Nigeria’s fall has overshadowed these global movements. Newly crowned European champions Spain (3rd, up 5) and England (4th, up 1) have made significant leaps, pushing Brazil (5th, down 1) out of the top four.
Belgium (6th, down 3) has fallen out of the top five, with the Netherlands (7th) and Portugal (8th, down 2) close behind. Colombia (9th, up 3) returned to the top ten, despite narrowly losing to Argentina in the Copa América final, and Italy (10th) maintained their position.
Nigeria’s drop has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions about the team’s performance and future prospects. Other notable movements in the top 50 include Türkiye (26th, up 16) and Venezuela (37th, up 17), who impressed in their continental competitions. Panama (35th, up 8) and Canada (40th, up 8) also made significant strides after strong performances in the US. OFC Men’s Nations Cup winners New Zealand (94th, up 13) re-entered the top 100 after seven years, and other Pacific nations like Fiji (153rd, up 13) and Vanuatu (162nd, up 8) also saw notable progress.
The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be published on 19 September 2024.
Click HERE to view the complete ranking.
Leaders Argentina (unchanged)
Moves into top 10 Colombia (9th, up 3)
Moves out of top 10 Croatia (12th, down 3)
Matches played in total 125
Most matches played Argentina, Colombia, England, Spain (7 matches)
Biggest move by points Spain (up 105.75 points)
Biggest move by ranks Venezuela (up 17 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Samoa (down 44.09 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Czechia (down 13 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams, not ranked Eritrea
