The Black Stars, the men's national football team of Ghana, ended a challenging year ranked 77th in the FIFA World Rankings, maintaining their 14th position among African nations.  

The year 2024 proved difficult for the four-time African champions, who struggled to deliver consistent performances.

They exited the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January and failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament, finishing third in a qualifying group that featured Angola, Sudan, and Niger. 

Despite the setbacks, the Black Stars showed glimpses of promise late in the year. Two impressive victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic brought some hope for the future. 

Over the course of 2024, Ghana played 14 matches but managed just three wins, two of which came in official competitions. Their highest FIFA ranking for the year was 67th in February, but a steady decline throughout the year saw them drop to their current position.  

Africa and global rankings  

On the African continent, Ghana ranks above Zambia and Gabon but falls behind Cape Verde and Burkina Faso. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt continue to lead the African rankings, holding the top three spots.  

Globally, Argentina remains the number-one ranked team, followed by France, Spain, England, and Brazil. The top ten positions have remained unchanged since July, underscoring the stability among football’s elite nations.  

Signs of hope amid challenges  

While the year was marked by disappointment in continental competitions, the Black Stars' strong showing in World Cup qualifiers has provided a sense of optimism. Fans are now looking forward to 2025, hopeful that the team can deliver more consistent performances and re-establish Ghana as a force in African and global football. 

As preparations begin for the year ahead, the focus will be on building a stronger, more competitive squad capable of reclaiming Ghana's place among Africa’s best and making a mark on the world stage.