Harambee Stars Climb Two Places to 109th in Latest FIFA Rankings: A Positive Step for Kenyan Football

The Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior men’s national football team, have climbed two spots in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on October 17, 2025. Kenya moved from position 111 to 109 globally, signaling steady progress despite a mixed run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Key Takeaways

• Kenya has improved its FIFA ranking from 111th to 109th, reflecting progress on the international stage.
• A key victory against Burundi in the qualifiers contributed significantly to the climb despite a heavy loss to Ivory Coast.
• In East Africa, Kenya is ranked third behind Uganda (83rd) and Tanzania (107th), showing a competitive regional standing.
• The rise in ranking boosts morale and sets positive momentum for upcoming international fixtures and qualifiers.
• Kenya aims to build on this progress in future matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

1. Recent Performance Behind Ranking Rise

Kenya’s rise to 109th follows a key 1-0 away victory against Burundi in the penultimate qualifier held in Bujumbura. Despite a heavy 3-0 loss to African champions Ivory Coast in the final qualifier, the win against Burundi earned valuable ranking points that outweighed the defeat. Kenya ended the qualifying campaign with 12 points in fourth place in Group F. Coach Benni McCarthy’s team demonstrated resilience and potential for growth in upcoming matches.

2. East African Ranking Context

In East Africa, Kenya ranks third among neighbors despite the improvement:

Uganda remains the highest-ranked East African nation, slightly slipping a position to 83rd. Tanzania holds 107th, closely ahead of Kenya at 109th, while Rwanda and Burundi trail behind.

3. African and Global Ranking Overview

Morocco remains Africa’s top team at 12th worldwide, followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (32nd), Algeria (35th), and Nigeria (41st). Globally, Spain tops the FIFA rankings, followed by Argentina, France, England, and Portugal. These rankings influence tournament seedings, World Cup qualifications, and playoff setups.

4. Significance for Harambee Stars

The ranking rise marks a morale boost and reflects the team’s dedication to creating a winning culture, as emphasized by assistant coach Vasili Manoukis. With the next FIFA international window set for November 10-18, Harambee Stars aim to leverage this momentum to improve their ranking further and perform strongly in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Conclusion

Rising to 109th in the FIFA rankings indicates steady progress for Harambee Stars on the global football stage. Positioned competitively in East Africa, Kenya looks to build on recent successes and rising standards to advance in future international competitions. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to support the team’s journey toward greater achievements.