Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, are the biggest climbers on the latest CocaCola-Fifa Rankings after moving up 49 places from 153 to 104.
Following the new rankings released yesterday by the world football governing body, Fifa, the Scorchers are now 12th in Africa.
Fifa said in a statement that the Scorchers owe their surge to the impressive performance at the 2026 Morocco CAF Womens’ Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) where they won silver and also earned their maiden qualification for next year’s World Cup by reaching the tournament’s semi-finals.
Fifa said in a statement: “The 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [Wafcon], which took place in July and August, has had the biggest influence on this update to the ranking. Indeed, one African side stand out from the rest: Malawi.
“Having reached the final of the continental showpiece, secured their historic qualification for the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 and racked up a range of incredible victories both at Africa’s flagship tournament and in the Olympic qualifiers, the Scorchers have climbed a staggering 49 places and amassed a record 158.44 points.”
Nigeria, who were one of the Scorchers’ victims at Morocco Wafcon, are still leading the continent and 43rd in the World.
South Africa, who are 59th are highest ranked amongst teams in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) region followed by Zambia who are 70th.
The Scorchers are now third best in the Cosafa region.
Wafcon Champions Cameroon are ranked 62nd and third in Africa.
On the global stage, Spain remain top of the world rankings, having accumulated a total of about 2122.
Tanzania is the second biggest climber in the world, moving 11 places up.
In an interview yesterday, Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili said he was excited with the development.
“This is good news for me, Scorchers and Malawians. It has never happened before so I am extremely happy,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi communications officer Collins Nsunza said they want the Scorchers to be in ther top 100.
“While we are pleased with these achievements, we believe there is still room for improvement. Our ambition is to see the Scorchers break into the double digits,” he said.
