Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, are the highest climbers in the latest Coca-Cola FIFA Women’s World Rankings after rising 49 places from 153 to 104 in the world.

The rise follows the team’s impressive performances at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they finished second and secured their first ever world cup qualification, as well as their recent 9-0 thrashing of Zimbabwe in the first round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The latest ranking marks the Scorchers’ highest-ever position, surpassing their previous best of 110th, achieved in 2017.

The team, which is now on position 12 on the continent, has also recorded the biggest points gain among all teams in the latest rankings, earning 158.44 points.

Nigeria remains Africa’s highest-ranked team despite dropping seven places to 43rd in the world, while reigning world champions Spain maintain their position at the top of the global rankings.