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Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars, are set to complete their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign this week, having already been eliminated from contention. The team aims to build momentum for future tournaments despite the setback.
Nairobi, Kenya – The Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team, are preparing to play their final two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week. Despite being out of contention for a World Cup berth, the team is focused on concluding their campaign on a positive note and building for future competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.
Kenya will face Burundi on Thursday, October 9, followed by a match against African champions Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday, October 14. Both matches are considered 'dead rubbers' for Kenya, as their World Cup dreams were dashed following a 3-1 defeat to Gambia on September 5, 2025.
The Harambee Stars currently sit fifth in Group F with nine points from eight matches. Group F also includes Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles. Côte d'Ivoire leads the group with 20 points, followed by Gabon with 19 points. Only the group winner directly qualifies for the World Cup, with the four best runners-up advancing to a play-off round.
Kenya's qualification hopes were significantly impacted by a 3-1 loss to Gambia in September. Prior to this, the team had secured a notable 5-0 victory against Seychelles, with goals from Ryan Ogam, Charles Sichenje, and a brace from Michael Olunga. Masoud Juma is the leading goal scorer for Kenya in the qualifiers with two goals.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup involves 54 teams competing for nine direct slots and one inter-confederation play-off spot. Teams are divided into nine groups of six, playing home-and-away round-robin matches. The winner of each group secures direct qualification to the World Cup. The four best group runners-up proceed to a play-off round to determine the CAF representative for the inter-confederation play-offs.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed the team's determination to restore pride and build momentum, despite being out of the World Cup race. McCarthy, who was named August Coach of the Month for leading the team to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals, has been credited with a revival in Kenyan football.
Captain Michael Olunga attributed Kenya's failure to qualify to inadequate infrastructure and emphasized the need for a stronger start in future competitions. Olunga, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, along with Alpha Chris Onyango and Ronney Onyango, are being monitored ahead of the upcoming matches. Winger Adam Wilson Ayiro, who plays for Welsh Premier League side The New Saints, received a late call-up to the squad.
Kenya has played a total of eight matches in the qualifiers, recording two wins, three draws, and three losses. Their home ground venue is Nyayo National Stadium.
While the immediate goal of World Cup qualification has passed, the remaining matches offer an opportunity for Coach McCarthy to evaluate the team and gauge their capabilities against strong African opponents. The experience gained will be crucial as Kenya looks towards making a significant impact in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Attention will now shift to the Harambee Stars' performance in their final two qualifying matches, particularly how they adapt to injury concerns and integrate new call-ups. The team's cohesion and tactical execution under Coach McCarthy will be key indicators of their readiness for future continental challenges.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will be the first to feature 48 teams.
