Uganda’s senior women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, have climbed three places to 145th in the February-April 2026 FIFA Women’s World Rankings despite not playing an international match for more than a year.
The latest rankings offer a rare positive for the national team, whose last international outing came in February 2025 during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers. Uganda were knocked out by Ethiopia after a penalty shootout defeat.
The prolonged inactivity has left several players frustrated as they continue to miss international opportunities. Among them is FC Nordsjaelland goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi, who recently opened up on the emotional toll of Uganda’s inactivity.
Karungi, who has battled injuries including an ACL tear, admitted it has been difficult watching teammates at club level leave for international duty while Uganda remains without a programme.
“It’s painful to see your club teammates leave for the international break to play for their national teams while you don’t get the chance because there’s nothing prepared back home,” Karungi said on NBS Sport This Morning.
While Uganda have remained inactive, their regional rivals have continued to make progress.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets climbed five places to 128th after a strong showing at the Women’s FIFA Series held at Nyayo Stadium, where they finished runners-up. Their campaign included an impressive 2-0 win over India and has strengthened their preparations for upcoming continental assignments.
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars remain the highest-ranked side in the CECAFA region at 121st, while Ethiopia, who eliminated Uganda in the World Cup qualifiers, are ranked 137th.
That leaves Uganda fourth in the CECAFA pecking order despite their slight rise in the global standings.
