Kenya’s Harambee Stars are preparing for a decisive run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted the team faces slim chances of making it to the global stage.
The Stars are in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burundi, The Gambia, and Seychelles. With Seychelles already eliminated and The Gambia unable to qualify directly, Kenya’s challenge remains daunting. The team currently sits fourth in the group standings, with only the top team qualifying directly while the runner-up could still progress to the second round for a shot at the inter-confederation play-offs.
McCarthy revealed that joining the team midway into the campaign has been a setback. Kenya had already played four matches before he took charge, and he believes starting from the beginning would have given the team a stronger foundation. Now, with four matches remaining, the Stars must win all of them to secure 12 points, which may only give them an outside chance depending on results elsewhere.
Reflecting on the challenge, McCarthy noted that coaches who take charge from the start have more time to implement their style and build momentum. He highlighted the experience with the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), where working with the squad earlier made a clear difference in performance.
Looking beyond the current qualifiers, McCarthy emphasized the importance of building for the future. His strategy includes integrating more local players into the squad to give them international exposure, which will not only strengthen the national team but also raise the standard of Kenya’s domestic leagues. He sees this approach as critical in preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup campaign.
While he acknowledged that Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are slim, McCarthy urged the team to make the most of the remaining matches. He believes that even if qualification slips away, the experience gained will lay the foundation for greater achievements in future tournaments.
The Harambee Stars will face The Gambia and Seychelles in their next fixtures, knowing that nothing less than maximum points will keep their faint World Cup hopes alive.
