Ghana have remained 72nd in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Monday, January 19, marking the third consecutive month the Black Stars have held the same position.

The senior national team played only one match during the period under review, with the Black Galaxies representing Ghana in a pre-AFCON friendly against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. As a result of Ghana’s absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, their points total remains unchanged from the November rankings.

On the African continent, the Black Stars also maintain their position as the 14th-ranked team.

In contrast, all four semi-finalists from the recently concluded AFCON 2025 recorded significant improvements in the standings. Champions Senegal climbed to 12th in the world — their highest position since the FIFA rankings were introduced — and now sit second in Africa.

Runners-up Morocco enjoyed a historic rise, breaking into the global Top 10 for the first time. The Atlas Lions are now ranked 8th in the world, making them Africa’s highest-ranked nation.

Nigeria also made a notable leap, moving up more than ten places to 26th globally and third in Africa. They are followed by Algeria, ranked 28th, and Egypt, ranked 31st, to complete the continent’s Top Five.

At the summit of the global rankings, Spain continue to hold the number one spot, with world champions Argentina, France, England and Brazil rounding off the Top Five.