Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, have climbed nine places in the latest FIFA monthly rankings released on October 7, 2026, making them one of the biggest movers in the world this month.
Rwanda rose from 128th in the previous rankings to 119th in the latest edition. FIFA said Rwanda’s nine-place rise was the joint-biggest improvement in the rankings, alongside the Dominican Republic.
The rise follows Amavubi’s strong performances in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
In late September, Rwanda defeated Liberia 3-1 before beating Cape Verde 2-1 in their qualifying matches. The two victories played a major role in Rwanda’s rise in the rankings.
Several other African countries also moved up following their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Guinea-Bissau climbed eight places to 124th, Gambia rose seven places to 109th, while Botswana moved up six places.
