Joining university rankings has become increasingly significant in recent years characterized by intense competition in global higher education. Although there are some benefits to these rankings, there are also some disadvantages. This study sought to determine universities' motivations and possible challenges for joining global university rankings and offer recommendations to institutions seeking ranking. This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 24 participants selected from universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, Australia, Oman, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Thematic analysis resulted in the themes, motives for joining university rankings and pressures and challenges in joining the university rankings. Some of the common reasons for joining rankings included: increasing funding, attracting distinguished scholars and instructors, and gaining a better reputation. Some of the challenges included in joining university rankings were: western domination, publication issues, and administrative issues.