Tanzania drops in FIFA rankings

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’s national football team -Taifa Stars have slipped four places in the latest FIFA rankings released yesterday, now positioned 107th globally, down from 104th in July.

The recent drop comes on the heels of crucial World Cup qualifiers played earlier this month against Congo Brazzaville and Niger, the fixtures that ultimately dashed Tanzania’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an intense away clash with Congo Brazzaville, Taifa Stars fought to a 1-1 draw, a result that sealed their fate in the qualification race.

The disappointment deepened at home where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Niger, a side ranked below Tanzania.

This upset significantly impacted Tanzania’s FIFA standing, contributing to fall in their global ranking.

Tanzania’s neighbours, Uganda Cranes, showcased impressive form, climbing six places to 82nd in the rankings, up from 88th.

The Cranes dominated their World Cup qualifiers at home, hammering Mozambique 4-0 and securing a 2-0 victory over Somalia, results that propelled their leap up the table.

ALSO READ: FIFA Rankings: Tanzania climbs six places

On the other hand, Kenya’s Harambee Stars endured a slight setback, dropping two places to 111th from 109th.

Kenya’s campaign was marked by mixed results: a disappointing 3-1 loss to Gambia—ranked lower than Kenya—which ended their World Cup aspirations, followed by an emphatic 5-0 win over Seychelles.

Gambia, buoyed by their victory, climbed one spot to 115th. On the global stage, European champions Spain have surged to the top of the FIFA rankings, overtaking Argentina, who slipped to third place.

France solidified their position as world number two, while Slovakia recorded the biggest rise, vaulting ten places to 42nd. Conversely, Zimbabwe suffered the largest fall, dropping nine spots to 125th.

Within Africa, Morocco leads the continent, moving up one spot to 11th globally.

Senegal holds firm in second place in Africa and 18th worldwide, with Egypt sitting third on the continent and 35th in the world rankings.