Harambee Stars up two places in latest FIFA rankings
Kenya moved from position 111 to 109 globally after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in Bujumbura last week, before suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast in their final Group F match on Tuesday.
Kenya’s men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, have risen two spots in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Friday, following their recent performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Harambee Stars moved from position 111 to 109 globally after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in Bujumbura last week, before suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast in their final Group F match on Tuesday.
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The team wrapped up their qualifying campaign fourth in the group with 12 points, trailing group winners Ivory Coast, who topped with 26 points to seal their return to the World Cup after an 11-year absence.
Within the East African region, Uganda remain the highest-ranked team at 83rd globally, despite slipping one place after their 2-1 loss to Algeria. Tanzania follow closely at 107th, then Kenya (109), Rwanda (131), while Burundi dropped four places to 145th.
Across the continent, Morocco continues to lead Africa’s standings despite a slight drop in their overall world position. Senegal remains second in Africa and 18th globally, while Egypt moved up three places to 32nd. Algeria, among the biggest climbers, jumped three spots to 35th, while Nigeria completed Africa’s top five at position 41, after climbing four places.
Globally, Spain holds firm at the summit of the world rankings, followed by Argentina, which has overtaken France to move into second place. France now occupies third, England stays fourth, while Portugal rounds out the top five.
The updated October rankings will play a crucial role in determining seeding for the upcoming 48-team 2026 World Cup draw. The three co-hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be joined by the nine highest-ranked direct qualifiers from the next FIFA ranking in November.
In Africa, the October list also confirmed next month’s playoff fixtures that will decide which nation advances to the intercontinental playoffs. Nigeria will face Gabon, while Cameroon battles Congo for a chance to remain in contention for a World Cup slot.
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