Kenya’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign has hit turbulence after consecutive setbacks, compounded by squad selection challenges involving domestic league players. Head coach Benni McCarthy has clarified the exclusion of Gor Mahia and Tusker FC players from recent matches, while Kenya’s slim qualification hopes now hinge on mathematical improbabilities.
Back-to-Back Defeats Dent Qualification Hopes
The Harambee Stars suffered a 2-1 home loss to Gabon on March 23, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice, including a penalty. This followed a 3-3 draw against The Gambia on March 20, where Kenya rallied from a two-goal deficit but failed to secure a win.
With six points from six matches, Kenya sits fourth in Group F behind Gabon (15 points), Ivory Coast (16 points), and Burundi (7 points). Only group winners are guaranteed World Cup spots, while second-place teams enter playoffs. Kenya’s maximum achievable points (18) would still fall short of Ivory Coast’s current tally, making qualification mathematically improbable unless rivals slip.
Gor Mahia and Tusker Players Left Out
McCarthy’s final squad included only two players from Gor Mahia and Tusker (Ronney Onyango and Ben Stanley) despite initially calling up 11 from these clubs. The coach cited clubs’ refusal to release players as the primary reason, stating he could not select athletes he hadn’t assessed during training.
“Gor Mahia and Tusker sought permission to retain their players, and we were accommodating. However, I am unable to select players I haven’t had the chance to observe in matches,” McCarthy explained.
Gor Mahia CEO Raymond Oruo defended the club’s stance, asserting adherence to regulations regarding player releases.
Qualification Outlook
Kenya’s remaining fixtures include home games against The Gambia and Seychelles in September, followed by away matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast. While a perfect run could yield 18 points, Ivory Coast’s next win would mathematically eliminate Kenya. Burundi’s potential rise to 11 points (if they beat Seychelles) further complicates the race.
McCarthy remains optimistic about future opportunities for domestic players, urging them to prove their worth in upcoming camps. However, the immediate focus shifts to salvaging pride in a campaign now overshadowed by off-field challenges and on-field setbacks.
