Black Stars Finish 2024 Ranked 77th in FIFA World Rankings

The Black Stars, Ghana’s men’s national football team, concluded a challenging 2024 campaign ranked 77th in the FIFA World Rankings, retaining their position as the 14th-best team in Africa. The year was difficult for the four-time African champions, marked by inconsistent performances and disappointing outcomes in continental competitions. Despite these challenges, there were moments of promise that have offered hope for the future.

2024 started on a rough note for the Black Stars as they were eliminated from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, failing to advance past the group stage. Their struggles continued in the qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON, where they finished third in a competitive group that included Angola, Sudan, and Niger. This early exit from both AFCON tournaments was a significant blow, as expectations had been high for Ghana to perform better. However, the Black Stars did show signs of recovery as the year progressed, particularly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In the latter part of 2024, Ghana recorded two crucial victories in the World Cup qualifying matches. They defeated Mali and the Central African Republic, which injected a sense of optimism for the team’s prospects moving forward. These wins showcased the potential of the Black Stars, especially as they navigated the challenging qualifiers with a mixture of experience and youthful energy.

Over the course of 2024, Ghana played a total of 14 matches but secured only three wins. Of these, two came in official competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers. While the overall record was not strong, the team’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity were evident. Ghana’s highest FIFA ranking for the year was 67th, which they achieved in February, but after a steady decline throughout the year, they ended up in their current position of 77th. This drop highlights the inconsistency that has plagued the team in recent months and reflects the challenges they have faced in regaining their form.

Rankings in Africa and the World

In terms of African football, Ghana remains 14th, ahead of countries like Zambia and Gabon but trailing behind the likes of Cape Verde and Burkina Faso. Despite the setbacks in 2024, Ghana’s position in the African rankings remains relatively stable, though the Black Stars will be aiming to climb higher in the coming years. At the top of the African rankings, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt continue to lead the charge, occupying the top three spots in the continent.

Globally, Argentina remains the number-one ranked team in the world, followed by France, Spain, England, and Brazil. The top ten positions in the FIFA World Rankings have largely remained unchanged since July 2024, indicating the dominance of a select few teams on the international stage. For Ghana, staying within the top 100 remains a priority, but the hope is that the Black Stars can find consistency and push for higher rankings in the future.

Glimmers of Hope Amid Setbacks

Despite a year that was largely disappointing, there are reasons to be hopeful for Ghana’s future. The team’s strong showing in the World Cup qualifiers, where they defeated competitive teams like Mali and the Central African Republic, signals that the Black Stars still have the potential to compete at the highest level. These victories, though late in the year, have given fans optimism that Ghana can build on this success and improve in 2025.

The Black Stars’ challenges in 2024 have highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in terms of consistency and squad cohesion. The team will need to focus on these aspects as they prepare for the next phase of their journey. As the Black Stars look ahead to 2025, there is a clear sense of urgency to rebuild and strengthen the team. Ghana will aim to perform better in the upcoming AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, with the goal of re-establishing themselves as one of the top teams in Africa and returning to prominence on the global stage.

While 2024 has been a year of setbacks for Ghana, the Black Stars have shown resilience and promise. With the right preparations and a focus on consistency, the team will hope to turn the page and reclaim their position among the best in Africa and the world.