Key Takeaways
- Kenya moves up four spots to 102 in the latest FIFA rankings.
- The rise follows a 2-1 victory over Malawi in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
- Harambee Stars now sit 24th in Africa and third in their qualifying group.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars have climbed four places to 102 in the newest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday. The jump comes after the national side beat Malawi 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier played in Lilongwe last week.
The win lifted Kenya to 1,223 ranking points, up from 1,201 in March. It also pushed the team two places higher in Africa, from 26th to 24th, and kept them third in Group F of the qualifiers behind Ivory Coast and Gabon.
Coach Engin Firat praised the players for the result, saying the ranking rise shows the squad is moving in the right direction. “Every positive result helps us rebuild confidence,” Firat told reporters in Nairobi. “We still have work to do, but the boys deserve credit.”
Kenya’s next match is a tricky away trip to Gabon in June. A win there could lift the Stars even higher and strengthen their push for a first-ever World Cup appearance.