The FIFA world rankings for national teams in 2024 have been revealed, marking the end of another year in international football. The rankings showcase how each nation fared throughout the year and highlight where they stand on the global stage.
Among African teams, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured the fifth position. However, they have seen a significant drop in their global ranking. According to FIFA’s rankings published on Thursday, December 19, Nigeria remains in the fifth spot among African teams.
Despite holding their position as the fifth-best team in Africa, Nigeria has endured a difficult year, finishing 44th globally by the end of 2024—an eight-place drop from their previous position. This decline can largely be attributed to poor performances in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Matches against regional rivals like Benin Republic and Rwanda saw the Super Eagles struggle, resulting in disappointing results and no wins.
On the other hand, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have experienced a positive turnaround, climbing three spots to finish the year ranked 57th in the world. Their improved form and victories in the qualifiers have contributed to this rise.
Ghana, another key West African nation, faced its own challenges, finishing the year in 77th place globally. This further illustrates the struggles both Nigeria and Ghana have faced in maintaining their positions among Africa’s top football nations.
Top 10 African Teams in FIFA Rankings:
- Morocco – 14th
- Senegal – 17th
- Egypt – 33rd
- Algeria – 37th
- Nigeria – 44th
- Côte d’Ivoire – 46th
- Cameroon – 49th
- Mali – 51st
- Tunisia – 52nd
- South Africa – 57th
On the global stage, the top ten teams remained relatively unchanged from previous months. Argentina continues to lead the rankings, followed by France and Spain. England and Brazil complete the top five, reflecting the dominance of these footballing powerhouses.
2024 FIFA World Ranking (Top 10):
- Argentina – 1867.25 points
- France – 1859.78 points
- Spain – 1853.27 points
- England – 1813.81 points
- Brazil – 1775.85 points
- Portugal – 1756.12 points
- Netherlands – 1747.55 points
- Belgium – 1740.62 points
- Italy – 1731.51 points
- Germany – 1703.79 points
These rankings reflect the evolving landscape of international football as nations continue to compete and strive for success on both the African and global stages.
