Harambee Stars slip again in latest FIFA World Rankings
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 20, 2025Kenya has slipped four places to 113th in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings released on November 19, 2025, extending a difficult run of results for the Harambee Stars despite recent attempts to stabilise performance under Benni McCarthy.
The drop comes after a disastrous international window in Turkey, where Kenya lost 1–0 to Equatorial Guinea before suffering a crushing 8–0 defeat to Senegal, the team’s heaviest loss in recent history. The November window yielded zero points, leading to the slide from their previous position of 109th in September and 111th in July.
Tough November window
Kenya’s campaign in Turkey started with a spirited but ultimately frustrating outing against Equatorial Guinea at the Emirgan Sport Centre. A first-half penalty from Jose Miranda-awarded after Rooney Onyango’s foul-separated the sides, though Kenya created several chances through Jonah Ayunga, Sylvester Owino, and Ryan Ogam.
A late push saw Austin Odhiambo come close to levelling for the Stars, but Equatorial Guinea held on.
If the first match showed promise, the second was a harsh awakening. Senegal, preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overpowered Kenya with a relentless high press, quick transitions, and clinical finishing.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice inside the opening quarter-hour, Malick Diouf added another, and captain Sadio Mané completed a first-half hat-trick as Senegal led 6–0 at the break. Two more goals in the second period sealed the 8–0 rout.
Regional context
East Africa recorded mixed outcomes in the latest rankings. Uganda also dropped to 85th, while Tanzania dropped to 112th.
Kenya’s latest decline mirrors the struggles seen throughout 2025-an inconsistent year marked by CHAN quarter-final elimination, World Cup qualifying setbacks, and poor returns against higher-ranked opposition.
Global movements
Spain retained top spot globally, followed closely by Argentina and France. Major movements in the November update include:
Malta as the biggest climber (+5).
Republic of Ireland as the highest points gainer (+34.86).
Kosovo reaching an all-time high of 80th.
Denmark suffering the biggest drop (-24.27).
El Salvador also falling sharply (-21.12).