Harambee Starlets rise five places in FIFA rankings after strong Nairobi showing

Kenya’s rise from 133rd reflects a steady resurgence for the national side, buoyed by a string of positive results during the ranking period.

The current improvement is considered provisional, pending FIFA’s approval of all recent matches as official international ‘A’ fixtures. The next official ranking update is scheduled for April 21, 2026.

Central to that progress was their performance at the four-nation tournament staged at Nyayo Stadium, where the Starlets showcased both attacking promise and defensive discipline.

The campaign began on a high note with a convincing 2-0 victory over India women's national football team. Goals from Martha Amunyolete and Tereza Engesha underlined Kenya’s growing cutting edge in the final third, setting the tone for a competitive run.

The Starlets would go on to finish as runners-up in the series, falling 2-0 to the highly ranked Australia women's national soccer team—currently 15th in the world—in the final played on April 15.

Despite the defeat, Kenya’s overall record of four wins in their last five matches earned them crucial ranking points.

Regionally, Kenya sits second within the CECAFA zone, trailing Tanzania women's national football team (121st) while maintaining an edge over Uganda women's national football team (146th), signaling a shifting balance of power in East African women’s football.

The ranking boost arrives at a critical moment as the Starlets turn their focus to the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations set for July 25 to August 16 in Morocco.

Drawn in a challenging group alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal, Kenya will look to build on this momentum.

Before then, attention shifts to the upcoming FIFA international window from May 25 to June 16, offering a vital opportunity to fine-tune the squad ahead of their continental test.