Honestly, if you haven’t been watching West African football lately, you’re missing out on a serious "slow burn" drama. Specifically, the Liberia national football team standings have become a topic of heated debate in Monrovia’s tea shops and across the diaspora.
For years, the Lone Star was basically the team everyone expected to roll over. But something shifted in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They aren't just showing up; they're actually making people sweat.
Where Liberia Stands Right Now
Let’s talk numbers. As of early 2026, Liberia finds itself in a surprisingly respectable position in CAF Group H for the World Cup qualifiers.
They’ve played ten matches. They have 15 points.
If you look at the table, Tunisia is sitting pretty at the top with 28 points—basically untouchable. But Liberia is neck-and-neck with Namibia for that second spot. Both teams have 15 points, though Namibia edges them out slightly on goal difference.
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- Played: 10
- Won: 4
- Drawn: 3
- Lost: 3
- Goals For: 13
- Goals Against: 11
It’s a massive leap forward compared to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers where they finished bottom of Group E with only 4 points. They got humbled by Algeria 5-1 and 3-0 in that cycle. It was rough. But the World Cup qualifying run? That's been a different beast entirely.
The Recent Momentum Shift
The real turning point was probably that 2-1 win over São Tomé and Príncipe back in March 2025. Nicholas Andrews and Bryant Farkarlun scored, and for the first time in a long time, the SKD Stadium felt like a fortress again.
Then came the grit. A 2-2 draw away in Malawi in September 2025 showed that this team had developed a backbone. Ayouba Kosiah bagged a brace in that game. You've gotta love a striker who can produce under pressure in a loud, hostile stadium.
The Thomas Kojo Era
Thomas Kojo took the reins as head coach in late 2024, and he hasn't had it easy. People were skeptical. He was seen by some as a "stand-in" or a safe local choice, but he’s managed to galvanize a squad that was previously leaking goals like a rusty bucket.
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His strategy is basically "defense first, vibes second." He’s leaning heavily on Sampson Dweh, who’s been playing top-tier ball in the Czech Republic with Viktoria Plzeň. Having a €6 million-rated center-back gives you a lot of confidence when you're facing down world-class African strikers.
Key Players Keeping the Dream Alive
- Oscar Dorley: The captain and the heartbeat. He’s valued at around €8 million and plays for Slavia Prague. He’s the one who dictates the tempo. Without him, the midfield looks kinda lost.
- Divine Teah: Keep an eye on this kid. Only 19 years old, but already worth nearly €2 million. He represents the "New Liberia" style of play—fast, technical, and unafraid.
- Tommy Songo: The veteran keeper. He’s 31 now and has seen the highest highs and lowest lows of the Lone Star. He might not be as flashy as he once was, but his leadership in the locker room is massive.
The FIFA Ranking Reality Check
While the liberia national football team standings in the qualifiers look decent, the FIFA World Rankings are a bit of a reality check.
As of the December 2025 / January 2026 update, Liberia is sitting at 141st in the world.
That’s a far cry from their peak of 66th back in 2001 when George Weah was still terrorizing defenders. But rankings are lagging indicators. They reflect the losses from two years ago more than the wins from last month. If they keep this form up through 2026, that number is going to climb fast.
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What’s Next for the Lone Star?
The path forward is clear but brutal. To actually snatch a playoff spot for the World Cup, they have to maintain this 1.5 points-per-game average.
They need to stop dropping points against teams like Malawi. A draw is fine, but those should have been wins if they want to pass Namibia. The goal difference of +2 is also a bit skinny. They need to find a way to be more clinical when they’re dominating possession.
If you're following the team, keep a close watch on the upcoming friendly windows. Kojo is expected to integrate more of the youth squad—guys like Emmanuel Fully and Prince Martor Jr.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Monitor the March 2026 FIFA update: This will reflect the year-end results and tell us if Liberia is finally breaking back into the top 130.
- Track Sampson Dweh's club form: If he stays fit, Liberia’s defense stays solid. If he goes down, the standings will likely slide.
- Watch the local league (LFA First Division): Kojo is increasingly picking "home-based" players who are hungry to prove themselves on the big stage.
The Lone Star isn't a world-beater yet. But they are no longer an easy out. And in African football, that's exactly how legends start.