Austine Odhiambo Back in Harambee Stars Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Nairobi, Kenya — September 26, 2025 (EAT).

Gor Mahia midfielder Austine (Austin) Odhiambo has been recalled to the Harambee Stars squad for the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, after being omitted from earlier selections. 

The Latest

• Head coach Benni McCarthy included Odhiambo in the provisional and final roster to face Burundi and Ivory Coast in the remaining qualifiers. 

• Odhiambo was previously left out from the squad that played Gambia and Seychelles earlier this month. 

• His recall coincides with maiden call-ups for 19-year-old striker Lawrence Okoth (from Kenya U-20) and England-based defender Vincent Harper. 

Context & Importance

• Odhiambo impressed during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), contributing key moments, but was controversially excluded from the earlier World Cup qualifying matches. 

• Kenya’s hopes for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have effectively ended (they cannot reach the top two in Group F), but the focus now is on player development, rankings, and future preparation. 

• McCarthy’s selection balances continuity and fresh talent—retaining core performers while injecting youthful energy. 

Risks & What to Watch

• How well Odhiambo readapts to the national team environment, given his earlier omission, will be under scrutiny.

• The performances (and integration) of newcomers like Okoth and Harper will be watched closely; they could lay the groundwork for future squads.

• Even though Kenya’s World Cup qualification is off the table, results in these last matches may affect FIFA rankings, morale, and public perception.