Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, have dropped five places to 70th in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings following a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The four-time African champions, who previously occupied 65th position globally, lost 25.73 ranking points after suffering defeats in their opening two AFCON qualifying matches. Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire before falling to a 4-2 defeat against The Gambia, raising concerns about the team’s recent performance and preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
Ghana Fall in October 2026 FIFA Rankings
The latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, released on October 7, 2026, were compiled using results from 338 men’s international matches played since the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19.
The matches included UEFA Nations League and Concacaf Nations League fixtures, as well as qualifying games for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana’s latest ranking decline adds to a difficult period for the Black Stars, who failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament. The team’s recent struggles have increased pressure on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to rebuild the squad and improve its performance in upcoming competitions.
Carlos Queiroz Exits as Black Stars Seek Revival
Following the disappointing defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana parted ways with head coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual agreement.
The coaching change comes as the Black Stars prepare for their next phase of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the team hoping to regain confidence and improve its position in the FIFA world rankings under new management.
A planned international friendly against Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked national team, was also cancelled, further affecting Ghana’s preparations.
Black Stars Prepare for Somalia AFCON Qualifiers
Ghana will be looking to bounce back when they face Somalia in consecutive matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Somalia, currently ranked 200th in the world, present Ghana with an opportunity to secure important points, rebuild momentum and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the continental tournament.
The Black Stars are currently ranked 14th in Africa, a position that reflects the need for improved results as the team seeks to restore its reputation among the continent’s leading football nations.
Ghana’s Position in the Latest FIFA World Rankings
Ghana sit in 70th place globally, behind Jamaica, who occupy 69th position. Cabo Verde are ranked 68th, followed by Honduras in 67th, Albania in 66th and the United Arab Emirates in 65th.
In the African rankings, Morocco remain the continent’s highest-ranked national team, occupying seventh place worldwide. Senegal are ranked 18th, while Côte d’Ivoire sit in 29th position.
Nigeria have dropped four places to 30th in the latest FIFA rankings, highlighting further movement among Africa’s top football nations.
Spain Lead Global FIFA Rankings
Spain continue to occupy the number one position in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings following their triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina, who finished as runners-up, are ranked second, while France hold third place.
For Ghana, the immediate priority will be to improve performances in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, secure positive results against Somalia and begin climbing the FIFA rankings again.
The Black Stars’ response to their recent setbacks will be crucial as Ghana aim to qualify for the 2027 AFCON and restore confidence among supporters ahead of future international competitions.
Source: newsthemegh.com