For the second consecutive month, the Libyan national football team has slipped in the FIFA World Rankings, falling to 122nd place with 1,148.7 points, a drop from last month’s total of 1,153.97 points.
The decline reflects recent setbacks, including a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the third round of qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the complications surrounding the canceled return fixture.
The loss to Nigeria proved costly, as Libya failed to earn crucial points in the qualification campaign. Further controversy emerged when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) canceled the fourth-round match between Libya and Nigeria following an incident at Al Abraq Airport.
The Nigerian team refused to proceed with the game after disruptions occurred upon their arrival. Both teams now await a decision from the CAF Disciplinary Committee, which will determine any sanctions or adjustments to the qualification process.
The canceled match and ongoing uncertainty have cast a shadow over Libya’s AFCON campaign, adding pressure to the national team’s efforts to improve its performance and recover lost ground.
Meanwhile, several African teams have shown stronger results in the latest FIFA rankings.
Morocco solidified its position as the top-ranked team in Africa, climbing to 13th place globally, followed by Senegal (20th), Egypt (30th), and Nigeria (36th). Algeria (37th), Ivory Coast (40th), and Tunisia (47th) round out Africa’s leading teams, though Tunisia experienced the most significant drop, falling 11 places in the global standings.
Globally, Argentina retained its position at the top of the FIFA rankings, followed by France, Spain, England, Brazil, and Belgium. These teams maintained their standings from the previous month.
In total, 175 international matches were played during the latest international break, leading to significant shifts in the rankings. Botswana saw the biggest points gain, adding 38.30 points, while Sudan recorded the highest positional rise, moving up 10 places.
On the other hand, Cape Verde lost the most points, dropping 38.3 points, and Tunisia experienced the steepest positional decline, falling 11 places.
Libya’s recent dip in the rankings underscores the team’s ongoing challenges. Inconsistent performances, administrative issues, and disruptions within the domestic league have made it difficult for the national team to build momentum. The uncertainty surrounding the canceled Nigeria match only adds further complications to Libya’s quest for AFCON qualification and a higher FIFA ranking.
