2026 World Cup Qualifiers Stories

African teams edge closer to 2026 World Cup as final qualifiers begin
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Oct 06, 2025

Morocco and Tunisia have already secured qualification after topping Groups E and H, while Egypt could join them on Wednesday with a win over bottom-p...

Adidas unveils Trionda, the official ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 03, 2025

Trionda’s name captures the spirit of the event: “Tri” reflects the three host countries, while “onda,” meaning wave in Spanish, inspired the ball’s c...

Rising Starlets cruise past Ethiopia to set up Tanzania clash in World Cup qualifiers
Amina Wako  |  Sep 28, 2025

The emphatic victory sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph for the hosts, setting up a much-anticipated third-round clash with East African rivals Tanzania.

Kenya drops two places to 111th as Spain rises in latest FIFA rankings
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Sep 18, 2025

Across Africa, Morocco leads the continent at 11th in the world, moving up one position from the last rankings.

Rising Starlets coach Jackline Juma names squad for Ethiopia clash
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 18, 2025

Coach Juma has opted for a mix of youth and experience, with several players promoted from the Junior Starlets U-17 team that featured at the FIFA U-1...

Kenyan local football clubs to pocket millions as FIFA extends World Cup rewards
Amina Wako  |  Sep 16, 2025

THe programme will reward teams that release players for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the final tournament.

Michael Olunga among Africa’s top scorers in World Cup qualifiers
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 12, 2025

The towering striker began with a brace in Kenya’s opening game against Seychelles, striking twice away from home.

Benni McCarthy praises ruthless Harambee Stars after 5-0 thumping of Seychelles
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 09, 2025

McCarthy admitted there was pressure heading into the clash, but praised his players for bouncing back strongly.

Harambee Stars thrash Seychelles 5-0 in dominant World Cup qualifier win
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 09, 2025

Goals from Ryan Wesley Ogam, Collins Sichenje, and captain Michael Olunga highlighted a convincing display that underlined Kenya’s attacking depth and...

Morocco becomes first African team to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lucy Mumbi  |  Sep 07, 2025

This will be the Atlas Lions’ third consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh overall since first featuring on the global stage.

Rising Starlets Coach Jackline Juma unveils provisional squad for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
Amina Wako  |  Sep 06, 2025

Selection will be based on performance, fitness, and tactical readiness for the double header against Ethiopia.

McCarthy urges Harambee Stars to fight on after Gabon's win dealt huge blow to Kenya's World Cup dreams
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 04, 2025

Anything less than three points would end their campaign with two rounds still to play.

Free entry as Kenya Police Bullets face Kampala Queens in CECAFA opener at Nyayo
Erick Kariuki  |  Sep 03, 2025

Fans have been promised free entry, with CECAFA Competitions Director Yousuf Mossi urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support women’s foot...

Gambia national team arrive in Nairobi ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Kenya
Amina Wako  |  Sep 02, 2025

The match will be Gambia’s second meeting with Kenya in the qualifiers, following their 3-3 draw in March at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, C...

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy eyes balance ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Amina Wako  |  Sep 01, 2025

McCarthy said Kenya is closely monitoring emerging talents abroad and, while admitting World Cup qualification is slim with only four games left, stre...

Victor Wanyama backs Benni McCarthy’s squad selection ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 29, 2025

The 32-year-old midfielder also spoke about the possibility of making a return to the national team, saying, “When the time is right, then everything...

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy thanks Kenyans for ‘untouchable’ support at CHAN
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 28, 2025

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by President William Ruto at State House after the team’s return, McCarthy said the fans made the players feel “untoucha...

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy uses social media to address fans' concerns over squad selection
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 27, 2025

However, the coach chose not to address queries surrounding Austine Odhiambo, who was joint top scorer during CHAN 2024 but missed out on the call-up.

Coach Benni McCarthy unveils Harambee Stars squad as Kenya chases 2026 World Cup dream
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Aug 27, 2025

McCarthy’s final squad features a mix of homegrown and foreign-based players, including debutant goalkeeper Job Ochieng and 13 members of the CHAN sem...

Nyayo and Ulinzi set to stage Women’s Champions League qualifiers in September
Erick Kariuki  |  Aug 22, 2025

Kenya earned the hosting rights after a successful bid by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), bringing the regional competition back to the country f...

FKF President reveals Sh7 million collected from Kenya-Gabon match
Amina Wako  |  Mar 25, 2025

He clarified that renovations have reduced Nyayo Stadium's official capacity to 22,000. While the regular sitting area can accommodate 18,000 fans and...

Gabon coach satisfied, McCarthy optimistic despite Kenya’s defeat
Rama Mohammed  |  Mar 23, 2025

Gabon edged Kenya 2-1 in a crucial international qualifier, but the result told only part of the story. While Gabon coach Mouyoma Thierry admitted his...

Harambee Stars ready for Gabon test as FKF assures fans of security
Michael Kirwa  |  Mar 21, 2025

Harambee Stars are set to return to competitive home action for the first time since 2021 as they take on Gabon in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup quali...

Benni McCarthy hails Harambee Stars’ fighting spirit in thrilling draw with Gambia
Michael Kirwa  |  Mar 21, 2025

Harambee Stars came from behind twice to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan. Coach Benni McCarth...

Harambee Stars rally to hold Gambia in six-goal thriller
Michael Kirwa  |  Mar 21, 2025

Harambee Stars staged a dramatic comeback to force a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday night in Abidjan...

Benni McCarthy eyes fresh start as Harambee Stars face Gambia in World Cup qualifier
Michael Kirwa  |  Mar 20, 2025

Harambee Stars return to action on Thursday night under new head coach Benni McCarthy, who is set to take charge of his first match at the helm. With...

All you need to know about ticketing for Kenya vs Gabon match
Erick Kariuki  |  Mar 17, 2025

Football fans can now grab their tickets for Kenya’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against Gabon, set for March 23 at Nyayo Stadium. FKF has rolled out...

Harambee Stars provisional squad named for World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia
Rama Mohammed  |  Mar 11, 2025

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia. The...

Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy set to take over as Harambee Stars coach
Amina Wako  |  Feb 25, 2025

McCarthy is expected to arrive on Wednesday ahead of his official unveiling on Friday.

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