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

Andre Ayew spent time interacting with the players and technical team as preparations intensify for Saturday’s decisive return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Victory for Ghana will secure qualification for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The experienced forward urged the players to embrace the occasion, remain confident, and give everything for the nation.

Andre reminded the girls that: “Opportunities like these do not come around often and I encourage you to play with courage, discipline and belief in their abilities,” he said during his address.

The former Black Stars skipper also emphasized the importance of representing Ghana with pride, telling the players to trust the hard work they have put in throughout the campaign.

“You need to stay united, enjoy the moment and leave everything on the pitch. The entire country is behind you and believe you can qualify,” he added.

The Black Maidens Management Committee Chairman, Nana Sarfo Oduro welcomed the visit, describing it as a timely morale booster ahead of one of the team’s biggest matches.

“Having someone of Andre Ayew’s stature come to support the girls means a lot. His words have lifted the team’s spirits and given the players extra motivation as we prepare for this important game,” he said.

The Black Maidens will host Senegal on Saturday with a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at stake, as Ghana looks to seal qualification in front of home supporters.

Credit: Ghana FA

The signing ceremony, held at the Best Western Premier Hotel, Airport, Accra, brought together officials and senior figures of the Ghana Football Association, executives of betPawa, and key stakeholders in Ghana football, underscoring the growing collaboration between the two institutions.

The latest support package reinforces a longstanding partnership between betPawa and the GFA  – a relationship that has witnessed substantial investment in Ghana football over the years and positioned the company among the strongest private-sector supporters of the game.

The initiative comes at a crucial period for Ghana football, with the Black Stars intensifying preparations for the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, while the Black Queens gear up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The support is expected to boost player motivation and contribute significantly to preparations as Ghana seeks to strengthen its presence on both the continental and global stage.

Speaking at the event, Head of Local Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility at betPawa, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Ghana football, emphasizing that its involvement extends far beyond sponsorship.

“Football is one of Ghana’s greatest unifiers,” he stated. “Every time the Black Stars or Black Queens step onto the pitch, millions of dreams travel with them. Our role is not simply to sponsor football, but to stand behind those dreams and help create the conditions for success.”

She added that the latest support package reflects betPawa’s belief in the transformative power of football and its ability to inspire collective national progress.

“This support reflects our belief that when Ghanaian football wins, the entire nation moves forward together,” he noted.

The latest contribution follows betPawa’s successful partnership with the Ghana Premier League and the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League through the innovative Locker Room Bonus programme, which provides direct financial rewards to players immediately after victories.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association, Mark Addo, expressed the GFA’s appreciation for betPawa’s continued investment in Ghana football, describing the support as timely and impactful.

“We are especially delighted by betPawa’s latest support package of locker room bonuses for the Black Stars and Black Queens,” he said. “This timely investment arrives as the Black Stars intensify preparations for the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and our Black Queens gear up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This support undoubtedly provides a major boost to our collective aspirations and national ambitions.”

Mr. Addo praised betPawa for demonstrating consistent and practical commitment to football development in Ghana over the years.

“Over the years, betPawa has demonstrated a genuine and practical commitment to Ghana football. Through strategic investments and innovative initiatives, the brand has become one of the strongest private-sector allies in our football landscape,” he stated.

He highlighted the Locker Room Bonus programme as a shining example of betPawa’s meaningful contribution to the sport, noting that it has significantly transformed player motivation and welfare.

“This intervention has not only offered tangible financial support to players but has also reinforced professionalism, competitiveness, and dedication within our domestic game,” he said.

The GFA Vice-President further emphasized the importance of partnerships that create real impact beyond branding and visibility.

“Football thrives when institutions and corporate partners work hand in hand,” he noted. “The Ghana Football Association deeply values partnerships that go beyond visibility and branding to make meaningful impact where it matters most — on the pitch, in the locker room, and in the lives of our players.”

Expressing gratitude to betPawa, Mr. Addo said the company’s continued support reflects confidence in Ghanaian football and belief in the country’s ability to succeed on the biggest stages.

“To betPawa, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued confidence in Ghana football and for reaffirming your long-term commitment to our shared journey. Your support reflects belief – belief in the potential of Ghanaian footballers, belief in our national teams, and belief in Ghana’s capacity to excel on both continental and global stages.”

Credit: Ghana FA

The tournament, which will be hosted in Dar es Salaam, will feature Ghana, hosts Tanzania, and Malawi as the three nations prepare for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.

The competition is expected to provide the Black Queens with valuable match experience and an opportunity to keep the squad engaged during the international break.

The tournament will also form part of preparations to strengthen team chemistry, evaluate player performance, and maintain competitive momentum ahead of WAFCON 2026.

Further details regarding fixtures, venues, and the Black Queens squad for the tournament are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Credit: Ghana FA

The draw, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place at CAF headquarters in Cairo and will be streamed live on CAF TV from 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Ghana is among 35 national teams participating in the qualification campaign, which will determine the two African representatives for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, scheduled for July 11 to 29, 2028.

The qualification series will be played over five rounds, with each nation aiming to secure one of the two available slots for Africa at the global event in Los Angeles.

Having recently climbed to 59th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings and currently ranked third in Africa, the draw marks the beginning of another major international mission, the quest to seek a return to Olympic football.

Credit: Ghana FA

The Queens produced a pair of commanding performances to underline their growing confidence under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, thrashing Hong Kong, China 4–0 before dismantling Russia by the same scoreline to secure the title.

Their scheduled final match against Tanzania yesterday was cancelled amid logistical disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, forcing organisers to scrap the fixture. However, Ghana were officially crowned champions based on their superior results.

Despite the premature conclusion, Ghana’s performances in the UAE offered compelling evidence that the team is steadily building momentum ahead of the rescheduled WAFCON in Morocco later this year.

Originally slated for March 17 to April 3, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced this week that the continental showpiece would now be held from July 25 to August 16 following what it described as “unforeseen circumstances”.

The eleventh-hour postponement temporarily halts the Queens’ competitive rhythm just as they appeared to be hitting stride.

Yet the Pink Ladies Cup triumph provides Bjorkegren with a raft of positives as the squad returns to club football to regroup before reconvening for the continental assignment..

For Ghana, the tournament in the UAE was designed as a crucial dress rehearsal for Morocco, an opportunity to sharpen tactical cohesion, test squad depth and build confidence ahead of a campaign aimed at restoring the nation’s standing in African women’s football.

Boaduwaa leads charge

Central to Ghana’s dominance was attacker Doris Boaduwaa, whose clinical finishing earned her the tournament’s top scorer award.

Boaduwaa struck three times across the two matches, beginning with a composed finish against Hong Kong before producing a superb brace in the emphatic victory over Russia.

Her sharp movement and eye for goal provided the attacking spark for a Ghana side that looked increasingly fluid and purposeful in the final third.

The forward’s prolific showing is expected to strengthen her confidence as the Queens continue their preparations for WAFCON, where Ghana will be aiming to translate their improving form into a genuine challenge for continental honours.

Defensive steel

At the opposite end of the pitch, deputy captain Cynthia Findiib Konlan anchored the defence with authority, emerging as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.

Konlan maintained a perfect record between the posts, keeping two clean sheets while demonstrating excellent reflexes and command of her area as Ghana navigated the competition with relative ease.

Her performances reinforced the defensive stability that has become a hallmark of Bjorkegren’s tenure, with the Queens yet to concede a goal during the tournament.

Since taking charge last year, Bjorkegren has steadily moulded the Black Queens into a cohesive and disciplined side, largely retaining the core group of players he has worked with while selectively introducing fresh faces to intensify competition within the squad.

For the Pink Ladies Cup, the Swedish tactician invited a handful of new players into the fold, including goalkeeper Rose Baah, defenders Diana Amoako and Alexandra Emefa Tay, wingers Sharon Sampson and Helen Alomenu, and attacker Ajegipena Zakaria.

The tournament provided the newcomers with a valuable opportunity to stake their claim for places in the final squad expected to represent Ghana in Morocco.

Bjorkegren’s measured approach suggests a long-term vision, balancing the immediate ambition of making an impact at WAFCON with the broader task of building a sustainable, competitive national team for the future.

WAFCON Momentum paused

While the postponement of WAFCON disrupts Ghana’s competitive momentum, the Pink Ladies Cup triumph has nevertheless reinforced belief within the camp.

Two dominant victories, eight goals scored, none conceded, and individual accolades for both attack and defence reflect a side gradually rediscovering its rhythm on the international stage.

With several months now available for refinement and squad evaluation, Bjorkegren and his players will return to their respective clubs armed with confidence and the knowledge that the foundations for a strong WAFCON campaign are firmly in place.

When the Queens regroup for Morocco later in the year, they will do so not merely as participants, but as a team increasingly convinced that continental glory may yet be within reach.

Credit: Graphic Online

CAF confirmed that the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco, has been moved from its original schedule of 17 March to 3 April 2026.

The competition will now be held from 25 July to 16 August 2026 after consultations with FIFA and other stakeholders.

In a brief statement, CAF said the change was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the tournament “in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”

“In October 2024, the CAF granted the hosting rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) 2026 to Morocco and this tournament was scheduled for 17 March to 3 April 2026,” the statement read.

“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAFdecided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026, to 25 July – 16 August 2026; to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”

“Preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026 are underway and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” it added.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Queens remain in Sharjah, participating in the Pink Ladies Cup, a pre-tournament training camp in the UAE.

During the camp, the team recorded two convincing friendly victories, defeating Hong Kong women’s national football team and Russia women’s national football team 4–0 in both matches.

However, the team’s departure from the country remains uncertain after authorities suspended air travel in response to rising tensions in the region.

The players and officials are currently awaiting arrangements to enable them to leave the UAE safely after their final Pink Ladies Cup match against Tanzania women’s national football team.

Ghana heads into the next continental cycle with renewed confidence following their third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, a result that revived hopes of the team competing strongly among Africa’s elite.

Credit: CAF

The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.

During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.

Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.

“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.

Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.

Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.

With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.

  Credit: Ghana FA

Ghana set the tone early, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch and the dominance paid off in the 27th minute when Princess Dankwa Marfo broke the deadlock.

The pressure continued to mount, and just before the break, the Queens doubled the lead in the 40th minute with a Doris Boaduwaa finish.

The second half began in perfect fashion for Ghana. Barely two minutes after the restart, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah extended the lead in the 47th minute, capitalizing on defensive hesitation to make it 3-0.

Despite the commanding lead, the Black Queens maintained the intensity and defensive discipline, limiting Hong Kong to few clear-cut chances.

The final flourish came in the 87th minute when Patience Ajegipena Zakaria added the fourth goal, sealing an emphatic 4–0 victory.

Her late strike capped off a dominant team display and underlined Ghana’s attacking depth.

The result provides strong momentum as Ghana continues the campaign in the Pink Ladies Cup and will take on Russia on Matchday 2.

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