By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens have climbed to 59th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, released on April 21, 2026, rising three places from their previous 62nd position. The improvement reflects the team’s strong form heading into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), including a dominant 7–0 aggregate win over Egypt in the qualifiers.
Continental standing and recent form
The Black Queens remain the third‑highest‑ranked women’s team in Africa, behind Nigeria (40th) and South Africa (45th), while edging Morocco (64th) in the continental pecking order. The jump to 59th marks a steady recovery from a recent low of 67th in August 2025, with the team now ranked 59th (April 2026), 62nd (December 2025), and 67th (August 2025).
Stepping back from a historic high
Ghana’s all‑time best ranking stands at 42nd, reached in June 2008, a mark that still serves as a benchmark for the current squad. Coach Kim Lars Björkegren has overseen a clear upward trajectory, highlighted by the WAFCON 2024 bronze medal and the team’s solid recent results, which have progressively lifted the Queens back into the global top 60.
Preparing for WAFCON 2026
Under Björkegren’s tactical leadership, the Black Queens are now shifting focus to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, scheduled to open in late July. The FIFA‑ranking bump validates the Ghana Football Association’s decision to invest in preparatory tournaments abroad, such as the Pinks Ladies Cup in the UAE, as a platform for sharpening squad depth and match sharpness ahead of the continental showpiece.
