World champions Argentina have once again underlined their dominance by retaining the top spot in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday. The Albiceleste continue to lead global football after a string of convincing performances in recent international fixtures.

Spain remains in second place, holding firm after a draw and a win in their latest matches. France, however, slipped to third following a defeat before recovering with subsequent victories. England and Portugal complete the top five, while Brazil sit just outside in sixth position.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles held steady at 26th place in the global standings. Their recent performances have been mixed, reflecting both promise and inconsistency. At the Unity Cup in London, Nigeria impressed with victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica. Yet, momentum slowed when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland and later lost narrowly 2-1 to Portugal in a friendly.

Morocco continues to shine as Africa’s highest-ranked team, now placed seventh in the world. The Atlas Lions’ rise reflects their strong performances on the international stage and signals Africa’s growing competitiveness in global football.

The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany round out the top ten, each maintaining their positions among football’s elite.

This latest ranking arrives as the football world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. The expanded format promises to deliver the largest and most inclusive World Cup yet, offering nations like Nigeria and Morocco greater opportunities to showcase their talent on the global stage.

For Nigeria, holding 26th place underscores both stability and the need for improvement. The Super Eagles remain a force in African football, but consistency against top-tier opponents will be crucial as preparations intensify for the World Cup.

Morocco’s seventh-place ranking, meanwhile, highlights Africa’s growing presence in world football. Their success serves as inspiration for other African nations aiming to break into the top tier of global rankings.

As the countdown to 2026 continues, Argentina’s dominance, Spain’s resilience, France’s recovery, and Africa’s rise set the stage for a World Cup that promises drama, competition, and history-making moments.

List FIFA Rankings

Argentina
Spain
France
England
Portugal
Brazil
Morocco
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany

*Recover high-calibre arms cache, ammunition

The Department of State Services (DSS), backed by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack several security checkpoints, kidnap women, students and children across the Southeast states.

A security source disclosed that, acting on intelligence acquired by the DSS, two ESN field commanders coordinating the planned attacks were apprehended on Monday in Garki, Enugu State.

The source further revealed that, based on the leads supplied by the nabbed ESN commanders, DSS sought the backing of troops from 82 Division, and executed a covert operation. The operation led to the raids by DSS officers and soldiers on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.

The raids, disclosed the source, led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre arms, namely a rocket launcher, two RPG (rocket propelled grenade) warheads, three RPG chargers, and 11 AK-47 rifles.

18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton and two teargas canisters were recovered.

The raids also led to the recovery of one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards. The source disclosed that intelligence revealed that the ESN members were to have used the NYSC uniforms as a cover to launch the attacks.

Intelligence gathered from the arrested ESN field commanders, , according to another source, revealed that members of the terrorist organization were to have launched massive attacks across the Southeast states, kidnap women, students and children, spread fear and create the impression that the region has been overtaken by insecurity.

The Enugu recoveries came barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.

The suspects, including two Nigeriens, were nabbed in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states. Recovered from the men were 15 AK 103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.

The outlawed group has been responsible for series of kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the Southeast, declared the source.

The raids on ESN armoury in Enugu State came shortly after a recent arrest by the DSS of several suspected members of the outlawed organization in the state.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicked off on June 11, with Mexico stepping into the spotlight as co-host of the tournament alongside Canada and the United States. The opening day delivered drama, history, and anticipation as football’s biggest event returned to North America after eight years of preparation.

Mexico Opens Against Familiar Rival
El Tri began their campaign in Mexico City against South Africa, a team they previously faced in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. The fixture carried symbolic weight, rekindling memories of that earlier encounter while presenting Mexico with the chance to set the tone for their tournament.

The match was more than just a contest; it was a statement of intent. Mexico, buoyed by home support, entered the game determined to showcase their readiness to compete on football’s grandest stage. For South Africa, the clash offered an opportunity to upset the hosts and remind the world of their resilience.

Guadalajara Hosts Group A Clash
Attention then shifted to Guadalajara, where Korea Republic faced Czechia in another Group A fixture. The match brought together two teams with contrasting journeys. Korea Republic arrived with a reputation for discipline and speed, while Czechia carried momentum from their UEFA play-off success.

The encounter highlighted the diversity of styles at the tournament, with Asia and Europe represented in a battle for early control of the group. Both sides knew that a strong start could prove decisive in their quest to advance.

A Tournament of Records
World Cup 2026 is already historic. It is the first edition hosted by three nations and promises to be the largest in scale, with expanded participation and venues spread across North America. For Mexico, the tournament marks its third time as host, cementing its place as one of the most significant nations in World Cup history.

The opening day reflected the global excitement surrounding the event. Fans from across continents gathered in stadiums and tuned in worldwide, underscoring football’s unmatched ability to unite cultures and nations.

What Lies Ahead
Matchday 1 set the stage for a month-long spectacle. Mexico’s performance against South Africa will be closely scrutinized as the hosts aim to progress deep into the competition. Meanwhile, the Guadalajara clash between Korea Republic and Czechia added intrigue to Group A, leaving fans eager to see how the standings will evolve.

Beyond the results, the tournament represents a celebration of football’s growth. With expanded teams and venues, World Cup 2026 is expected to deliver unforgettable moments, new heroes, and stories that will resonate long after the final whistle.