Harambee Stars pick positive lessons from 2026 FIFA Series
By Joel Masibo, April 2, 2026Harambee Stars have acknowledged picking vital lessons from the just-concluded 2026 FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, where the side managed a third position.
Shortly after jetting back from the tournament where the team managed a podium finish, courtesy of a 3-0 win over Grenada in the third-place playoff, the team took to Facebook on Thursday, April 2, 2026, stating the importance of the FIFA Series outing.
Positive lessons
”A remarkable first FIFA Series campaign, finishing on the podium as bronze medallists. A valuable platform to build, learn, and prepare for what’s ahead. Which was your favourite moment in the tournament?” the statement read in part.
The commendable Rwanda outing has seen Harambee Stars climb in the latest FIFA rankings following their emphatic victory over Grenada.
According to the latest global rankings released by the world football governing body, FIFA, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Kenya has climbed two steps up, from 113 to 111.
Against Grenada on Monday, March 30, 2026, the result saw Austin Odhiambo, Ryan Ogam, and Zech Obiero all find the back of the net, helping the team finish third in the four-nation FIFA Series tournament.
Although the Harambee Stars earlier suffered a setback after losing to Estonia on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, that result had minimal impact on their ranking, costing them only a small number of points. In contrast, the victory over Grenada added significantly to their tally, pushing them to 1,182.23 points.
As a result of these outcomes, Kenya has moved up two places globally to 111, overtaking Tanzania, which slipped to 113 after a loss to Liechtenstein that affected their points total. Uganda continues to lead the East African region at 88th in the world rankings.
Right direction
Meanwhile, the slight improvement in the FIFA rankings for Harambee Stars comes shortly after head coach Benni McCarthy explained why Kenyans can afford to dream despite the team’s third-place finish in the concluded FIFA Series tournament.
“I have been happy with the debutants; most of them have been outstanding. Frank was one of the best players over the two games. Zech was very positive in offensive play. He has been a breath of fresh air and a good addition. Clarke should have had one of the easiest goals to score, but unfortunately, he couldn’t get it,” he said after Kenya jetted back into the country on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
For Harambee Stars, focus now shifts toward preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.