FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

Spain (1^st) have tightened their grip on top spot following back-to-back away meetings with theUSA (2^nd). La Roja triumphed in the first showdown, and although the sides could not be separated in the second, a win and a draw was enough to see the European heavyweights extend their advantage at the summit to almost 80 points. Germany (3^rd) complete the podium having won both of their home friendlies to make up ground on the Stars and Stripes.

The only change amongst the top 10 is the return ofDenmark (10^th, up 2), who recorded a win and a draw away to Canada (9^th) and now find themselves a few points ahead of the Netherlands (11^th, down 1) and DPR Korea (12^th, down 1). This marks the Scandinavians’ first appearance in the top 10 since August 2010.

The 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which took place in July and August, has had the biggest influence on this update to the ranking. Indeed, one African side stand out from the rest: Malawi (104^th, up 49). Having reached the final of the continental showpiece, secured their historic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and racked up a range of incredible victories both at Africa’s flagship tournament and in the Olympic qualifiers, the Scorchers have climbed a staggering 49 places and amassed a record 158.44 points.

Other CAF outfits, as well as a couple from the OFC and UEFA, have made substantial gains. The new African champions, Cameroon (62^nd, up 9), have taken significant strides, as have Tanzania (111^th, up 11),Burkina Faso (109^th, up 9) and Vanuatu (100^th, up 8), whilst Slovenia (36^th, up 2) can boast of having risen to their highest position to date, joining Malawi in doing so.

The upward momentum has not been universal across CAF, however, with three countries having tumbled down the standings. Egypt (113^th, down 14), who were knocked out of WAFCON after losing all three of their group-stage encounters, Zimbabwe (136^th, down 9) and Congo DR (114^th, down 8) are the three biggest fallers in the latest instalment of the global pecking order.

The full ranking can be found on Inside FIFA.

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 7 December 2026.

Credit: FIFA

Ghana went into the game hoping to secure maximum points to qualify from the group stage for the first time in the team’s history.

The Princesses had an early chance to take the lead but Priscilla Mensah’s effort was ruled out for offside. Ghana remained resolute in defence to deny the French and ended the first half goalless.

After the recess, France broke the deadlock with an early goal in the 54th minute before doubling their lead in the 68th minute.

Ruth Amponsah committed a handball inside the 18-yard box and France were awarded a penalty, which they converted to make it 3-0. France took the game beyond the Princesses when they scored in the 85th minute to end the game 4-0.

The result means the Princesses are eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup despite an amazing 3-1 victory over South Korea in the second Group C game.

Credit: Ghana FA

The final will take place at the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 4:00 pm.

The two sides met in the group stage of the competition, where Ampem Darkoa Ladies came from behind to beat Edo Queens 2-1, with Milot Pokuaa grabbing the winning goal in the second half.

The clash pits the two best teams in the competition against each other, with Ampem Darkoa heading into the final with an unbeaten record after four wins from four matches.

Edo Queens, former champions of the competition, thrashed USFA 5-1 in the semi-final, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies made light work of FC Dynamique d’Abomey with a 4-1 victory, setting up this epic showdown on Saturday.

The final will not only determine the WAFU Zone B champions but also decide which team secures qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

For Ampem Darkoa, it is an opportunity to complete a successful campaign by repeating their group-stage victory over Edo Queens, while the Nigerian champions will be seeking redemption on the biggest stage of the tournament.

The Ghanaian champions will head into the final with confidence after defeating Edo Queens 2-1 in the group stage, although the Nigerian side will be eager to avenge that defeat and secure the coveted ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Credit: Ghana FA

The cheque was handed over on Tuesday at the Official Unveiling Ceremony held at La Palm Hotel in Accra. The event was attended by officials of the Commonwealth Games Association-Ghana*, corporate partners, coaches and athletes who will represent Ghana in Scotland.

Government charges Team Ghana to deliver

Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Sports, who represented the Minister, commended the Eezzy Group Foundation for stepping in at a crucial time.

She said the donation reflects the kind of private sector support needed as Ghana targets medals at the Glasgow Games.

“The Eezzy Group Foundation has shown true commitment to national development. Go and show that you are champions from Ghana,” Hon. Mensah stated.

“Remain disciplined and focused in training. Ghana expects strong performances and medals in 2026,” she further urged the athletes.

Corporate Ghana backs national pride

Officials of the Eezzy Group Foundation said the sponsorship forms part of their commitment to youth development and national pride.

They noted that the GH¢800,000 will go directly into training camps, logistics, equipment, medical care and athlete welfare to ensure athletes have what they need on the road to Glasgow.

The Commonwealth Games Association -Ghana described the donation as “timely and critical.” With the Games fast approaching, the GCA said early preparation will be key and called for more corporate support to energize Team Ghana.

Team Ghana for Glasgow 2026.
Ghana will be represented by 40 athletes across 9 sports

• Athletics*:13
• Boxing: 10
• Judo: 2
• Para Athletics: 3
• Para Powerlifting: 1
• Para Swimming: 1
• Swimming: 4
• Track Cycling: 2
• Weightlifting: 4

40 athletes. 9 sports. One goal: Medals for Ghana at Glasgow 2026

GCA officials assured that the funds will be used transparently to give all athletes the best possible preparation.

Eezzy Group’s commitment reflects the growing role of corporate Ghana in backing national sporting excellence and inspiring athletes to chase greatness on the international stage.

As the countdown to Glasgow continues, the message to Team Ghana is clear: train hard, represent well, and bring the medals home.

The defender headed Ghana level in the 73rd minute at Lincoln Financial Field, but Nikola Vlasic’s late winner meant Carlos Queiroz’s side finished Group L with a defeat.

“Yes, it was a nice feeling to score. But I’m a bit disappointed about the loss,” Luckassen said.

“First half, very different style. Second half, very different style. I think first half we had the ball, but we didn’t do a lot with it. We were just playing around.”

“Second half, I think we pressed forward. We tried to put the balls in, and it was a lot better in the second half, in my opinion.”

Ghana had already secured qualification before kickoff but Luckassen insisted the target was still three points.

“Before the match, we want to win every game. Obviously, we knew that we were through, but you want to win every match and that’s what we tried today as well. We are trying to do our best, to give our best and every game we are trying to make the nation proud. On to the next game, we have to keep on going.”

On Ghana’s progression, he added: “It’s very important. We are through and that’s the most important. We hope we can come even further because that is what we want and we will give our best to come further.”

Luckassen said the Black Stars’ run reflects a wider trend: “I think it’s big for all the African countries. You can see that everybody is improving. There are very good national teams in Africa, and I think you can see it in this World Cup.”

Credit for Ghana’s structure went to Queiroz. “I think discipline. We are disciplined. We know what we have to do and he’s clear in what he wants from the team.”

Ghana now face Colombia in the Round of 32 on July 4 in Kansas City.

Credit: Ghana FA

Tuesday’s draw divided the 48 participating teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two sides in each group qualifying automatically for the finals. Because Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are guaranteed places as hosts, only one additional nation will progress from each of their groups.

The draw sets up a high-stakes qualification campaign for Ghana, which is seeking redemption after missing out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco following a disastrous qualifying series in which the Black Stars failed to win a single match.

For a nation with four continental titles and one of Africa’s richest football histories, the latest qualifying campaign is being viewed as a defining moment in the rebuilding process of the senior national team.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with 48 countries competing across 12 qualifying groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the finals.

While Somalia are considered the least experienced side in Group C, Ghana’s clashes against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia are expected to shape the outcome of the qualification race.

The draw revives one of African football’s fiercest rivalries as Ghana prepare to face Côte d’Ivoire, a side currently regarded among the continent’s strongest teams following their recent resurgence under coach Emerse Faé.

The Elephants head into the qualifiers with renewed confidence and a squad blending experienced internationals with highly-rated emerging stars playing across Europe’s top leagues.

For Ghana, the encounters against their West African rivals are expected to test the progress of a team still attempting to regain consistency and identity after successive disappointments on the continental stage.

The Black Stars had previously suffered back-to-back group stage exits at the last two AFCON tournaments before failing to qualify entirely for the 2025 edition, deepening concerns over the direction of Ghana football.

The Gambia are also expected to present a difficult challenge after steadily establishing themselves as one of Africa’s emerging forces in recent years. The Scorpions have gained recognition for their disciplined tactical approach, compact defending and dangerous counter-attacking style, making them a potentially troublesome opponent in a tightly contested group.

Somalia, meanwhile, enter the qualifiers as outsiders after progressing through the preliminary stages, but their presence adds another layer of unpredictability to the campaign.

The qualifying series will begin during the FIFA international window from September 21 to October 6, 2026, when the opening two rounds of matches are scheduled to be played.

Matchdays three and four will follow from November 9 to 17, 2026, before the final qualification fixtures are played between March 22 and 30, 2027.

A total of 28 teams will qualify to play in the final tournament, including automatically qualified hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Credit: CAF

Ghana Gas led the way with a Gh¢5,000,000 (five million Ghana Cedis) contribution, backed by Ecobank Ghana (Gh¢3m), ABSA Bank Ghana (Gh¢1m) and ZiJin Golden Ridge (Gh¢1.13m) at a short ceremony at the Ministry of Finance in Accra on Thursday.

The contributions are aimed at easing the financial burden on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and ensuring the Black Stars have the resources needed for preparations for the expanded 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The World Cup Fundaraising Committee was launched in March by President John Mahama to solicite financial support from corporate and inidvidual Ghanaians to support the Black Stars ahead of the Mundial.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, Madam Regina Ofori, Head of Marketing and Brands at Ecobank Ghana said the investment was about more than football.

“The Black Stars unite Ghanaians across every divide. Supporting them is supporting national pride and youth aspiration,” she said.

Hon Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee welcomed the gesture, describing it as a “timely boost” that shows corporate Ghana’s confidence in the team’s ability to make an impact on the world stage.

Ghana is currently preparing for the expanded format featuring 48 teams, with Africa boasting ten slots, raising hopes that the Black Stars could achieve something spectacle during the run in North America spanning June 11-July 19.

The donation brings total corporate and individual support for the campaign to over ¢27m and $2.5m million after previous donations from E&P, Stanbic, KGL and others, with the committee expected to receive more contributions in the coming weeks.

The Black Stars play Panama in Toronto, Canada on June 17, England in Boston, USA on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia, USA on June 27 – in Group L of USA/Mexico/Canada 2026.

Group CEO of E&P Ibrahim Mahama led a powerful delegation to present a symbolic cheque to Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Black Stars World Cup Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem on Thursday, having already paid the amount into the special World Cup account opened at the Bank of Ghana – to ensure transparency and proper allocation towards the team’s preparation.

Mr Mahama stated that his company which recently celebrated a landmark acquisition of Damang gold mine and just sold their first gold production output to the Bank of Ghana, sees the contribution to the Black Stars as a social responsibility because it is a contribution to all Ghanaians.

“Contributing to the Black Stars means that you are contributing to everybody. This is to say that we are committed to Ghana,” he said at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Accra.

“We just did our first gold pour and we sold it to the Bank of Ghana which we are very proud to say that this was our intention to be able to support the country.”

He pointed out that this is just the beginning of the redemption of their full pledge and assured that E&P will redeem the balance of three million Dollars promised. He however demanded for recognition of the unique role of workers of E&P in the national team’s USA/Mexico/Canada journey.

“We want to see that our workers who contribute to help us, to contribute to you, will also like a place in there to be able to be recognized that their hard work really contributed to the Black Stars,” he said.

The contribution, forms part of a growing wave of financial backing aimed at strengthening Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the official launch of the fundraising initiative by President John Dramani Mahama in March, targeting $30 million from corporate Ghana and the general public.

The campaign includes innovative measures such as a national raffle to drive broader participation and engagement, with Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams also asserting that the drive is intended to ensure strong Ghanaian representation at the tournament, particularly among diaspora communities who often face high ticket costs.

E&P’s gesture set the tone for the day, as several other organisations honoured their commitments, bringing the total amount redeemed so far to Gh¢13,931,500 and $2m following the receipt of a total of Gh¢8,540,000 at the first presentations two weeks ago led by KGL’s Gh¢5m first tranche of Gh¢10m pledged.

Other new contributors included GT Bank (Gh¢2,236,000), First Atlantic Bank (1,102,000), Timeline & Innovation (1,000,000), First National Bank (553,500) and Petroleum Commission (500,000), totalling Gh¢5,391,500

Receiving the cheques, Deputy Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for responding positively to the call for donations to support the participation of the Black Stars at the June 11-July 19 World Cup. Ghana will play Panama, England and Croatia in Group L of a historic 48-team tournament.

“On behalf of the Black Stars and all Ghanaians, we say a very big thank you to all these institutions and individuals who have seen the need to support our Black Stars to go and fly high the flag of the Republic of Ghana,” Mr Ampem said.

The partnership will see Hoshii power athletes, fans, and volunteers across all major Accra 2026 events headlining the continental mega event slated for May 12-17 at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, welcomed the deal, pointing out that the continental showpiece is about performance on and off the field.

“This commitment by Hoshii ensures that our athletes are fueled, our fans are energized, and the event meets global standards. Our doors remain open for more sponsors to join and make this championship a historic and successful one,” Hon Adams said.

The Minister also encouraged corporate entities in Ghana to support sports events and promised tax deduction incentives for companies that contribute to sports development programs across the country.

Ghana Athletics (GA) President Fuseini Bawah, on his part expressed deep appreciation for Hoshii’s support ahead of the competition for Africa’s elite track and field stars.

“We are grateful to Hoshii International for stepping up. Their support with products like Instant Rice and X1 Energy Drink, plus their visibility drive at the stadium, will go a long way to make this championship successful,” he said.

“This is what we mean when we talk about Corporate Ghana supporting sports development.”

Mr. Fuseni added that the backing aligns with a broader goal of giving athletes international-standard support on home soil.

“Athletics demands energy, focus, and endurance. Having a partner that understands that and invests in it helps our athletes compete at their best,” the GA chief stressed.

Hoshii International Executive Director, Ivy Udanoh affirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian sports and athletes.

“Ghana is the heartbeat of African sport. We’re here to fuel performance and power every moment — from the first whistle to the last dance. This is day one for us in athletics, but it won’t be the last,” she assured.

The 6-day championships are expected to draw top talent from across Africa, with Hoshii’s branded flags, product displays, and athlete support set to be visible throughout Legon Stadium. Officials say partnerships like this are key to delivering a world-class event and inspiring the next generation of Ghanaian.

The delegation, led by Vice President for Athletics and Recreation William Smith, engaged GFA leadership on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the FA’s headquarters.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure seamless preparations for the Black Stars’ stay in the United States during football’s biggest global event.

General Secretary Lawyer Prosper Harrison Addo welcomed the team and reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships that enhance team performance and logistical efficiency.

Discussions were spearheaded by the GFA’s Director of Marketing, Jamil Maraby, alongside officials from the U.S. state of Rhode Island, popularly known as “The Ocean State.”

Central to the engagement were detailed plans regarding the Black Stars’ arrival, accommodation and training arrangements in Rhode Island, where Bryant University’s state-of-the-art facilities will serve as the team’s base camp. The university is expected to provide world-class training pitches, recovery centers and wellness infrastructure to support Ghana’s preparations.

The meeting also featured key figures from Bryant University, including Dr. Edi Tebaldi, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at the Office of the President and Liz Tanner, Executive Director of Ocean State, among others.

The GFA delegation included Head of Business Development Janice Odonkor and Senior Communication Manager and Media Attaché at the Office of the President, Patrick Akoto.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history.

Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the Mundial, carrying with it a proud legacy that includes a historic quarterfinal finish in 2010.

Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama national football team on June 17 in Toronto, England national football team on June 23 in Boston and Croatia national football team on June 27 in Philadelphia.

The partnership between the GFA and Bryant University is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that the Black Stars are optimally positioned to compete at the highest level on the world stage.

Credit: Ghana FA