Harambee Stars have climbed six places in the latest FIFA Rankings following their performance in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In the rankings released on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Kenya has risen from 108th to 102nd globally.

Harambee Stars 23rd in Africa

In Africa, Kenya is now ranked 23rd, and within the CECAFA region, they sit in second place behind Uganda, with Tanzania taking third.

The Stars’ rise in the rankings can be attributed to their results in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. A 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and a 2-1 win over Namibia were pivotal in moving them just two spots outside the top 100.

A total of 184 international matches were played during the first half of September, involving teams from all six confederations.

While FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers dominated in the AFC, OFC, and CONMEBOL regions, there were also encounters in continental competitions and friendlies across the globe. This flurry of action significantly impacted the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.

At the top of the rankings, things remain tight. Despite Argentina (1st) and France (2nd) both suffering defeats – Argentina losing 2-1 to Colombia and France falling 3-1 to Italy – they continue to lead the global standings.

Spain (3rd) and England (4th) are closing in, with Brazil (5th) and Belgium (6th) also not far behind. The top ten remains unchanged, rounded off by the Netherlands (7th), Portugal (8th), Colombia (9th), and Italy (10th).

While the top 15 saw no changes, there were notable shifts further down the list. Japan (16th, +2), IR Iran (19th, +1), and Denmark (20th, +1) made gains within the top 20.

African changes

In Africa, Egypt (31st), Côte d’Ivoire (33rd), Tunisia (36th), and Algeria (41st) all climbed five places, with Greece (48th, +6) making the biggest leap within the top 50.

Further down, Bolivia (83rd, +6) earned more points than any other team (+35.20), while Kenya (102nd, +6) and St. Lucia (164th, +6) also made significant progress. Brunei Darussalam (183rd) and Samoa (185th) achieved the largest rank jumps, both moving up seven spots after securing two wins each.

At the bottom of the rankings, San Marino (210th) remains last despite securing their first victory in over 20 years. They ended a 140-game winless streak with a 1-0 win over Liechtenstein on September 5, repeating the result of their last victory in April 2004 against the same opponent.