Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 24-man squad for Kenya’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi on October 9 and Ivory Coast on October 14.

“Coach Benni McCarthy has named the squad for our final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast, October 9 – Burundi and October 14– Ivory Coast,” read Harambee Stars’ post on X dated September 26, 2025.

Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F with nine points from eight games, aiming to end the campaign positively despite slim qualification prospects.

McCarthy’s selection combines experienced internationals and domestic talent, emphasising long-term development following recent matches against The Gambia and Seychelles.

The squad features three goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), and Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia).

Defenders include Manzur Okwaro (Nairobi United), Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owijno (Gor Mahia), Alphonse Omjia (E.S. Du Sahel), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), and Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police).

Midfielders are Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police), and Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia). Wingers include William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), and Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars).

According to the statement, strikers will feature Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger AC), and Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki) lead the attack.”

Build-up

McCarthy’s choices maintain continuity from the August squad, which featured 13 players from the 2024 CHAN campaign co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Earlier results saw a 3-3 draw with Gambia in March, a 3-1 loss to the same team in September, and a 5-0 win over Seychelles. Kenya trails group leaders Ivory Coast (16 points), Gabon (15), and Burundi (10). The upcoming fixtures at Nyayo Stadium and away in Abidjan will test the team’s resilience, while McCarthy continues to integrate youth for future tournaments like the 2027 AFCON.

FKF initiatives

The squad announcement coincides with broader Football Kenya Federation (FKF) efforts to strengthen the sport.

On September 24, FKF President Hussein Mohammed hosted FIFA Regional Technical Consultants Ali Mwebe and Serame Letsoaka to advise on technical programs and talent development. Mohammed also called for support for women’s football, urging fans to attend Rising Starlets’ second-leg U20 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia on September 28, following a 1-1 first-leg draw.

In preparation, Rising Starlets defeated Ulinzi Starlets 2-0 in a friendly, with goals from Emily Morang’a and Elizabeth Mideva. Coach Jackline Juma’s squad, led by captain Fasila Adhiambo, includes U17 World Cup veterans like Valerie Nekesa and Lorine Ilavonga. These initiatives aim to sustain Kenya’s football momentum while Harambee Stars prepare for their critical World Cup qualifiers.