Nigeria stay top in Africa, Uganda rise in latest FIFA Women’s World ranking

Nigeria have retained their position as Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking released this week, while Uganda’s Crested Cranes have moved up one place to 29th in Africa and 147th globally.

The ranking update follows an intense two-month period of women’s football action across the world, with continental championships shaking up positions in almost every confederation.

Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ensured they maintained their stronghold as the continent’s number one side, also holding 32nd position globally. South Africa remain second in Africa and 49th worldwide, while Morocco sit third on the continent.

Globally, there was a change at the very top, with world champions Spain (1st, up 1) reclaiming the number one spot from the USA after a dominant run to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final, winning five straight matches. This is the second time La Roja have topped the rankings, having previously held the position between December 2023 and June 2024. The USA (2nd, down 1) remain close behind, less than two points adrift.

Sweden (3rd), England (4th) and Germany (5th) complete the top five, while France (6th, up 4) made the biggest leap in the top 10 following an impressive group-stage performance at the Euros. Brazil (7th, down 3) slipped despite winning their ninth South American crown, while Japan, Canada and Korea DPR round off the global top 10.

Elsewhere, Asia’s World Cup qualifiers and the OFC Women’s Nations Cup brought major shifts. Bangladesh were the biggest climbers, jumping 24 places to 104th after an inspired run to the AFC final qualifying round. Vanuatu (100th, up 19) and Solomon Islands (73rd, up 13) also hit new highs.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be released on 11 December 2025.