Coach Benni McCarthy unveils Harambee Stars squad as Kenya chases 2026 World Cup dream
McCarthy’s final squad features a mix of homegrown and foreign-based players, including debutant goalkeeper Job Ochieng and 13 members of the CHAN semifinal team.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for Kenya’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles, set for September.
Kenya will play The Gambia on Friday, September 5, before hosting Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 4:00 pm.
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The fixtures are crucial to Kenya’s bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under CAF’s format, only the top team in each group qualifies automatically, while the four best runners-up advance to a knockout playoff. The playoff winner will then represent Africa in FIFA’s intercontinental playoff tournament.
Kenya goes into the qualifiers sitting fourth in the group with six points. Ivory Coast leads with 16, Gabon follows with 15, and Burundi is third with 10 points.
With qualification still open, Kenya’s ability to make the most of its home advantage at Kasarani could prove decisive.
McCarthy’s final squad blends homegrown talent with foreign-based stars. Goalkeeper Job Ochieng has earned his first senior call-up, while 13 players from the team that reached the CHAN semifinals earlier this year have also been included.
Your #HarambeeStars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles. pic.twitter.com/zcDfaq17LB
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 27, 2025
Full squad:
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders
Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Wingers
Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam
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