By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens have experienced an unexpected drop in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, sliding to 67th globally despite securing a bronze medal at the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The team, which previously held the 66th position, slipped one place in the August ranking update released on Thursday, August 7, 2025. On the African continent, however, the Black Queens maintained their 6th place position, underscoring a competitive regional standing despite the global setback.
The ranking drop follows a tournament in Morocco where the Black Queens made a robust comeback to continental football after not competing since 2018. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, Ghana managed a third-place finish by defeating South Africa, earning a bronze medal.
Nonetheless, the team suffered two defeats, one during the group stage to South Africa and another in the semifinals against the host nation Morocco, which may have influenced their position in the ranking system.
The Black Queens ability to secure third place highlights their potential and growth, but the FIFA global rankings system appears to weigh other factors, including recent match results and overall consistency in international fixtures.
Nigeria remained at the top of African rankings globally after clinching their 10th WAFCON title, continuing their dominance in African women’s football.
The Black Queens’ drop also reflects their broader struggles to maintain consistency under the relatively new coaching of Bjorkegren, who took over earlier in the year.
Despite a promising start for the year and their historic strength in earlier decades of women’s football, Ghana has faced challenges in translating local tournament success into upward momentum on the global stage.
Their recent mixed results a combination of wins, losses, and draws in preparatory matches have affected their FIFA ranking trajectory.
Looking ahead, the Black Queens aim to build on their WAFCON performance and improve their international standing.
With a growing focus on development and tactical refinement under Coach Bjorkegren, the team is poised to regain form and consistency.
World rankings aside, their return to the continental elite signifies an important step in Ghana’s quest to reestablish itself as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
Further international fixtures will be critical for the Black Queens as they strive to climb back up the FIFA rankings ladder.
