Desiree Ellis’ Banyana Banyana will conclude 2024 ranked 53rd in the FIFA World Rankings, a three-place drop from their previous position of 50th.

Despite the decline, they remain second in the CAF rankings behind Nigeria, followed by Morocco and Zambia.

Banyana Banyana’s drop in the rankings can be attributed to a series of recent losses. They suffered defeats against Denmark (5-0) and England (2-0) in friendly matches. While the England match saw an improved performance after the arrival of star players like Thembi Kgatlana (who scored a goal and had several other promising opportunities), they ultimately fell short.

Two subsequent losses to Jamaica (3-0 and 2-0) this month further impacted their ranking.

Banyana Banyana’s next competitive fixture will be in October 2025, when they face the winner of the Botswana-DR Congo clash in the CAF zone FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Beyond Banyana Banyana’s rankings, Bangladesh (132nd, +7, 1097.55 points) and Saudi Arabia (166th, +8, 877.08 points) continue to head in the right direction, attaining their highest points totals in the process. Ten other teams also have cause to celebrate: Poland (1697.07 points), Zambia (1412.37 points), Cambodia (1150.75 points), Namibia (1111.61), Uganda (1028, 58), Kenya (1020.22), Pakistan (950. 27), Bhutan (866.32), Andorra (773.87) and Madagascar (694.47). Saudi Arabia will be especially happy to have attained their highest ever ranking, as will Northern Ireland (44th, +1) and Cabo Verde (129th, +1). 

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 6 March 2025.