Black Stars maintain FIFA rankings as Morocco and Senegal rise

Ghana’s Black Stars have held their ground in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, remaining 72nd in the world and 14th in Africa, according to the update released on Monday.

The position is unchanged from the end of 2025, reflecting a period of stability for the four-time African champions as they continue to rebuild following mixed results in recent international competitions.

While Ghana stood still, others on the continent made significant strides, most notably Morocco and Senegal, who were rewarded for their impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

Despite falling narrowly to Senegal in the AFCON final, hosts Morocco climbed three places to eighth in the world, their highest-ever FIFA ranking. The rise marks a historic milestone for the Atlas Lions, who have broken into the global top 10 for the first time since April 1998. Their surge saw Belgium, Croatia and Germany each drop a place.

AFCON champions Senegal also enjoyed a major boost, jumping seven places to 12th, a new all-time high for the Lions of Teranga following their continental triumph.

At the top of the global standings, Spain remain number one, with Argentina, France and England completing an unchanged top four.

In Africa, Nigeria sit third on the continent in 26th place worldwide, followed by Algeria, Egypt and Ivory Coast. Ghana remain behind emerging sides such as Cape Verde and South Africa, underlining the competitive nature of the continent’s rankings.

Top 20 African teams in the latest FIFA rankings

Morocco – 8
Senegal – 12
Nigeria – 26
Algeria – 28
Egypt – 31
Ivory Coast – 37
Cameroon – 45
Tunisia – 47
DR Congo – 48
Mali – 54
South Africa – 60
Burkina Faso – 62
Cape Verde – 67
Ghana – 72
Guinea – 80
Gabon – 86
Uganda – 88
Angola – 89
Zambia – 91
Benin – 92

For the Black Stars, attention now turns to the road ahead. Ghana are expected to regroup in March for an international friendly against Germany in Stuttgart, a high-profile test as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture offers both a measuring stick against elite opposition and a chance for the Black Stars to begin climbing again in the global standings.