With just a month to go until the start of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking remains virtually unchanged.

Ghana has climbed two steps up on the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola monthly ranking released today by world soccer governing body.

The Black Stars have jumped to the 48th position from the 50th spot it occupied in last month's edition of the ranking.

The Black Stars also maintain their 8th place on the African continent.

Ghana missed the opportunity to improve on the World ranking after losing to Mexico in March though its subsequent two losses to European club sides did not affect their position.

Nigeria is still Africa's best rated team, jumping one step up to 11th place in the global rankings.

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions remain in second place.

The current African Champions Egypt are up to 17th position.

Brazil still top the world wide log with Ghana's World Cup group opponents, Czech Republic in second place.

Another of Ghana's world cup opponents, the USA have been knocked off from the fourth place to the fifth with Italy, moving a place up to 13th place.

The next FIFA World Ranking will be published three days after the World Cup final.