Harambee Stars’ Captain Michael Olunga playing against Gabon in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at The Nyayo National stadium, March 23, 2025. Gabon won 2-1. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has made steady progress in the latest FIFA world rankings, rising two places to position 109 globally in the update released today.
The rise comes on the back of a solid run of form during the recent international window, where the Stars played two friendly matches against Chad in Morocco. The results, 0-0 draw including a 2-1 victory in the second match, have earned Kenya valuable points in the global standings.
On the African continent, Kenya now ranks 24th. Within the East African region, the Stars are third behind Tanzania and Uganda, who continue to lead the pack.
The matches against Chad proved fruitful not only in results but also in building momentum ahead of major competitions. The second leg win marked the first triumph for South African tactician Benni McCarthy, who recently took over the reins as head coach.
The new FIFA ranking comes at a crucial moment as the team shifts focus to the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The Harambee Stars began a residential training camp on Wednesday to prepare for the competition set for next month.
Kenya is drawn in a competitive group, starting their CHAN journey against DR Congo. They will then face Angola under the lights on Thursday, August 7—marking a historic return to night matches at home after more than ten years.
The group stage continues with a clash against Morocco on August 10, before wrapping up against Zambia on August 17.
Morocco (12th), Senegal (18th), and Egypt (34th) remain Africa’s best-ranked teams in the world rankings.
Kenya’s latest rise will give McCarthy and his squad renewed belief as they prepare for even tougher challenges ahead.