Despite entering the 2026 World Cup with high expectations, Ghana faces an uphill battle as the lowest-ranked side in a daunting Group L featuring England, Croatia, and Panama.
Ghana is currently ranked 73rd in the FIFA World Rankings. England is the highest-ranked team in Group L at No. 4, with Croatia trailing behind at No. 11, and Panama sitting in third within the group at 34th overall.
At 73rd overall with 1,346.88 points, Ghana currently trails far behind Panama—their first test in the World Cup—as the Concacaf squad boasts 1,539.16 points.
Ghana is the lowest-ranked African team in the 2026 World Cup
While Ghana boasts a roster with several stars such as Inaki Williams, Thomas Partey (out for debut vs Panama), and Jordan Ayew, the fact remains that the Black Stars are the lowest-ranked African team in this World Cup.
Cape Verde sits above Ghana in the FIFA rankings, and its ranking will change through the entire competition, even more after spoiling Lamine Yamal’s World Cup debut.
As for the rest of the nations in this World Cup, there are only three teams ranked lower than Ghana in the tournament: Curacao (82nd), Haiti (83rd), and New Zealand (85th).
Ghana’s schedule in the 2026 World Cup
Ghana won’t have an easy path in the 2026 World Cup at all. While Panama is their least complicated rival on paper, the Black Stars will have to face two genuine powerhouses in England and Croatia.
| Match | Date (2026) | Venue |
| Ghana vs. Panama | June 17 (7:00 PM ET) | Miami Stadium |
| England vs. Ghana | June 23 (4:00 PM ET) | Los Angeles Stadium |
| Croatia vs. Ghana | June 27 (5:00 PM ET) | Atlanta Stadium |
