By Ayo Kehinde
Spain finished 2025 atop FIFA’s world rankings, with Argentina second and France third in the final assessment of the year. Morocco led African nations in 11th place, whilst Senegal claimed 19th position to join the Atlas Lions inside the global top 20. Nigeria failed to feature amongst either group, marking a notable fall for the Super Eagles.
The top 10 remained static from November’s rankings through December, with England fourth and Brazil fifth. Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia occupied sixth through 10th respectively. Morocco’s standing placed them above Italy, Colombia and the 2026 World Cup co-hosts United States and Mexico, who ranked 14th and 15th.
Nigeria’s absence from the expanded World Cup carries particular weight given the tournament hosts’ lower rankings. The United States and Mexico will compete in June despite trailing Morocco, whilst Canada sit 27th. South Africa qualified despite 61st place and will face Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11 in Mexico City.
Uruguay took 16th globally, with Switzerland, Japan, Senegal and Iran completing the top 20. The December poll showed stability amongst leading nations entering 2026, with Colombia 13th and Morocco 11th both ahead of the North American hosts. Nigerian supporters watched the Super Eagles excluded from both elite rankings and World Cup participation.
FIFA will release fresh rankings on 18 January before continental football resumes. The year-end assessment offered no encouragement for Nigeria, with Morocco and Senegal carrying African representation amongst the world’s top nations instead.
