The Ghana national team climbed three places up to position 47th in the latest rankings published by World football governing body, FIFA.

The Black Stars rose higher in the African aspect of the rankings over World Cup-bound Nigeria, with Ghana taking the the 6th position with the Super Eagles closely following.

The 2-0 victory over Japan looks to have catapulted the Black Stars in the rankings with mostly World Cup teams dominating the African aspect apart from DR Congo.

The African ranking is led by Tunisia, with Senegal, DR Congo, Morocco, Egypt and Ghana following in that order.

Defending World Cup champions Germany will have the psychological advantage of going to the 2018 finals in Russia sitting atop of the global standings.

The Germans are in good shape heading to Russia after their talismanic goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a key player in their 2014 victory, returned to action after a long absence through injury.

Neymar’s on-form five-time World Cup winners Brazil are second, multi-talented Belgium are third, Cristiano Ronaldo’s European champions Portugal fourth and Lionel Messi’s Argentina are fifth.

British bookmakers would agree with the top two as they make Germany and Brazil joint World Cup favourites at odds of five to one followed by Spain, France and Argentina.

World Cup host nation Russia meanwhile slide to 70th position after a seven-game winless streak. They kick off the tournament against Saudi Arabia on June 14.

FIFA world rankings (May positions in parentheses)

1. Germany (1)

2. Brazil (2)

3. Belgium (3)

4. Portugal (4)

5. Argentina (5)

6. Switzerland (6)

7. France (7)

8. Poland (10)

9. Chile (9)

10. Spain (8)

Top 10 African teams:

21. Tunisia (14)

27. Senegal (28)

38. DR Congo (38)

41. Morocco (42)

45. Egypt (46)

47. Ghana (51)

48. Nigeria (47)

49. Cameroon (50)

52. Burkina Faso (54)

64. Mali (67)