Harambee Starlets climb seven spots in latest FIFA Women’s World rankings
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 11.12.25. | 19:31
The ranking boost comes on the back of a historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Kenya national women’s senior football team, Harambee Starlets, have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, rising seven places to 133rd globally with 1,094 points, up from 140.
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The impressive progress also sees Kenya move four spots up in the African standings, now placed 20th, and second in East African borders behind Tanzania's Twiga Stars, who are placed 121st, with African powerhouse Nigeria leading the continent and ranked 37th worldwide.
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The ranking boost comes on the back of a historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking Kenya’s return to the premier continental competition after a decade-long absence since 2016.
This achievement marks a growing competitive edge under the stewardship of coach Beldine Odemba.
The Starlets’ remarkable run began with a hard-fought two-legged tie against North African powerhouse Tunisia.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, Kenya stunned the visitors in Sousse, Tunisia, with a solitary 1-0 victory, securing a place in the final qualifying round.
Their momentum continued in October as they faced The Gambia in back-to-back matches, dominating the first leg 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium and sealing the return leg with a narrow 1-0 win, which confirmed their qualification for WAFCON 2026.
Ahead of their continental exploits, the Starlets tested themselves in back-to-back international friendlies against Algeria in late November.
Despite a 2-1 defeat in the first encounter on Wednesday, 26 November, Kenya rebounded to settle for a 1-1 draw in the return leg on Sunday, 30 November.
The rise in FIFA rankings underscores Kenya’s renewed prominence on the international women’s football stage.
With WAFCON 2026 on the horizon, the Harambee Starlets are poised not only to compete but to leave a lasting mark on African football, aiming to climb further up the world ranking.
