NIGERIA’s Super Eagles have emerged as the second-highest-ranked national team not participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after retaining 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that nly Denmark, ranked 21st in the world, sits above Nigeria among countries that failed to secure qualification for the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and features an expanded 48-team format for the first time in history.
The Super Eagles’ absence from the global showpiece has continued to draw reactions from football personalities around the world, with England and Chelsea legend, John Terry, describing Nigeria as one of the biggest teams missing from the competition.
Speaking during a virtual roundtable session organised by SuperSport, Terry said the absence of the three-time African champions would be felt at the tournament.
“Nigeria will be a big miss. This is a World Cup for participants who haven’t had the opportunity to play in the tournament. I would have loved to see a top team like Nigeria there because they’ve got some great individuals. They’re a great nation,” the former England captain said.
“I think they are a big miss because Nigeria probably would have gone further in the competition, but unfortunately, one side’s loss is another’s gain,” he added.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes ended after a difficult campaign under coach Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles finished second in their CAF qualifying Group C behind South Africa, who secured automatic qualification for the tournament.
The Eagles managed to keep their World Cup dream alive by defeating Gabon in the playoff semi-final, but their hopes were dashed after a penalty shootout defeat to Democratic Republic of the Congo in the decisive playoff final.
The setback means Nigeria will miss the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive edition, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Following the playoff defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation challenged DR Congo’s qualification, alleging the use of ineligible players during the campaign. However, the appeal was subsequently dismissed.
Despite their absence from the World Cup, the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s highest-rated national teams. Nigeria is currently the continent’s third-ranked side behind Morocco, who occupy seventh position globally, and Senegal. Algeria and Egypt complete Africa’s top five-ranked teams.
At the summit of the global rankings, defending world champions Argentina remain number one, ahead of Spain, France, England and Portugal. Brazil are sixth, followed by Morocco, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
FIFA is expected to release its next men’s world ranking on July 20, one day after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.