Kenya emerged as the highest-ranked nation from the CECAFA region at the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, finishing 26th overall in the competition’s national rankings.
The ranking places the young Kenyan side ahead of nine other East African nations that featured in the tournament, underlining the country’s encouraging performance on the international stage.
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South Sudan were the second-best representatives from the region, occupying position 48, while Uganda finished 69th. Rwanda followed in 80th place, with Somalia completing the top five CECAFA nations at position 100.
Burundi ranked 104th, followed by Tanzania at 114th. Sudan finished 140th, Ethiopia were placed 162nd, while Djibouti occupied the 170th position.
Kenya’s position at the top of the regional standings offers encouragement for the country’s youth football development, particularly as the focus continues to shift towards nurturing young players and preparing them for higher levels of competition.
The rankings also provide an opportunity for other CECAFA nations to assess their progress against international opposition as they continue investing in grassroots and youth football.
CECAFA Nations’ Rankings
• 🇰🇪 Kenya – 26th
• 🇸🇸 South Sudan – 48th
• 🇺🇬 Uganda – 69th
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda – 80th
• 🇸🇴 Somalia – 100th
• 🇧🇮 Burundi – 104th
• 🇹🇿 Tanzania – 114th
• 🇸🇩 Sudan – 140th
• 🇪🇹 Ethiopia – 162nd
• 🇩🇯 Djibouti – 170th
Kenya’s leading position among the CECAFA representatives is a positive milestone for the country’s next generation, with the experience gained in Azerbaijan expected to provide valuable lessons for the young players.
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