Algeria have climbed two places in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, moving from 78th to 76th following their breakthrough performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025 qualifiers).
The updated standings, published by FIFA on Thursday, place the North African side on 1,279.19 points.
The improvement comes on the back of a landmark tournament for coach Farid Benstiti’s squad, who reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in their history.
Led by captain Lina Boussaha of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, Algeria progressed from the group stage and battled to a goalless draw with Ghana in the last eight before exiting 4-2 on penalties.
Algeria’s run was widely hailed as a sign of their growing competitiveness on the continental stage, with their quarter-final finish marking a clear step forward from previous campaigns.
The result has also boosted their standing in the African rankings, though they remain behind the continent’s dominant forces.
Nigeria, crowned African champions for the 10th time in 13 editions, continue to lead the continental standings.
Ranked 36th globally with 1,630.86 points, the Super Falcons sit comfortably ahead of South Africa, who hold 54th place in the world rankings.
Despite the success of some sides, African nations remain significantly adrift of the world’s top teams in terms of points.
At the very top of the global table, Spain have reclaimed the number one spot, overtaking the United States.
The reigning world champions strung together five consecutive victories to reach the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final, where they were narrowly beaten by England on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The Lionesses’ triumph marked revenge for their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final and saw them climb one place to fourth in the world rankings.
Germany hold fifth place, while France have moved up to sixth, overtaking both Brazil and Japan. Canada and North Korea round out the top ten.
The next FIFA Women’s World Rankings update will provide an opportunity for Algeria to build on their momentum, with further competitive fixtures offering a chance to close the gap on the continent’s leading sides.
For now, their rise reflects a new chapter for Algerian women’s football – one defined by ambition, resilience and a growing presence on the world stage.
Mark your calendars, the #CAFWCL UNAF Qualifiers are coming! 🗓
Check out the fixtures below. ⤵ pic.twitter.com/uidDWprack
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) August 7, 2025
