FIFA ranking: Falcons stay top in Africa, 36th globally

Lusaka, Zambia – Nigeria's Super Falcons have once again asserted their dominance in African women's football, retaining their position as the continent's highest-ranked team and securing 36th place globally in the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings. This consistent performance underscores their formidable presence on the international stage, setting a high bar for other African nations, including Zambia's burgeoning Copper Queens, as they look towards the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The rankings, released by FIFA, show the Super Falcons' resilience and tactical prowess, a testament to their long-standing investment in women's football. Their continued hold on the top spot is not merely a statistical achievement but reflects a sustained period of competitive success, including numerous WAFCON titles and appearances at the FIFA Women's World Cup. This consistency provides a benchmark for teams like the Copper Queens, who have made significant strides in recent years, including their historic qualification for the 2023 World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics. While Nigeria celebrates its sustained leadership, the broader African football landscape continues to evolve rapidly. South Africa's Banyana Banyana, the reigning WAFCON champions, remain a strong contender, often challenging Nigeria for continental supremacy. The progress of teams like Zambia, Morocco, and Ghana indicates a narrowing gap, promising more competitive and exciting tournaments in the future. For Zambia, understanding the strategies and infrastructure that have propelled Nigeria to such consistent heights is crucial for their own development trajectory. The upcoming 2026 WAFCON will be a critical arena to gauge the shifts in power dynamics within African women's football. The Super Falcons will undoubtedly enter the tournament as strong favourites, but the growing strength of their rivals, particularly the Copper Queens, who have demonstrated their capability to upset established o