The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament globally, and teams from all over the world compete to qualify for it. FIFA, the organization that runs world football, uses a system called the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking to rate national teams based on their game performances. These rankings are crucial because they can influence the qualification process for the World Cup, especially for African teams.
The next World Cup in 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will be larger than previous ones, featuring 48 teams instead of the usual 32. With this expansion, Africa has been allocated nine direct spots for the World Cup, plus one possible spot through intercontinental playoffs.
The FIFA rankings are significant for African teams during the qualification process. Higher-ranked teams are often seeded, meaning they are placed in groups in a way that, in theory, makes their path to qualification smoother. This system aims to prevent the strongest teams from eliminating each other early in the qualification rounds. Therefore, a higher ranking can lead to a more favorable draw, increasing a team’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
As of the latest available FIFA rankings, the top 10 African teams are:
Senegal
Morocco
Tunisia
Algeria
Egypt
Nigeria
Cameroon
Ghana
Mali
Côte d’Ivoire
These rankings reflect the teams’ performances in recent matches and tournaments. For instance, Côte d’Ivoire’s position improved significantly after their success in continental competitions.
During the current international break, African teams are participating in friendly matches and qualifiers. These games are not just about immediate results; they also affect FIFA rankings. Winning matches, especially against higher-ranked opponents, can earn teams more points, potentially improving their ranking. A better ranking can lead to a more favorable position in future tournament draws, including World Cup qualifiers.
In summary, FIFA rankings play a vital role in the World Cup qualification process for African teams. A higher ranking can lead to a more advantageous draw, increasing the likelihood of qualifying for the World Cup. Therefore, every match during international breaks is crucial, as performances directly impact rankings and future opportunities on the world stage.
