Ghana climb eight places in latest FIFA rankings after Panama victory

Soccer players in yellow jerseys celebrate a goal on the field, with numbers 11, 20, 23 visible; flags in the stands.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 20, 2026

Ghana have risen eight places in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola World Rankings following their dramatic victory over Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars moved up to 65th in the world after earning 33.83 ranking points, taking their overall tally to 1,380.71.

Ghana’s rise comes on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama, secured by a last-minute goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. The victory marked a winning start for the four-time African champions at the World Cup after they entered the tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams in the competition.

The Black Stars now have another opportunity to improve their position when they face England in their second Group match on Tuesday in Boston.

Elsewhere, Morocco remain Africa’s highest-ranked nation after climbing to sixth. Nigeria are second on the continent and occupy 24th place globally, while Ivory Coast moved up three places to 30th.

At the top of the global rankings, Argentina retained first place ahead of France in second, with England, Ghana’s next opponents, ranked fourth in the world.

Ghana will be hoping to build on their encouraging start to the tournament as they seek qualification for the knockout stages and further progress in the FIFA rankings.