The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, landed in Bujumbura to face Burundi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with both teams already out of contention for a spot at the global tournament.
The match, set for Thursday, October 9, at 4:00 pm at the Intwari Stadium, comes with little more than pride at stake. Kenya currently sits fifth in Group F on 9 points, trailing Burundi by a single point after eight games.
This dead-rubber clash follows a mixed international break last month, where Kenya suffered a 3-1 defeat against Gambia before responding with a 5-0 rout of Seychelles. The results have done little to alter Kenya’s position in a group led by the Ivory Coast (20 points), with Gabon (19) and Gambia (10) ahead of the Stars. Seychelles remain bottom without a point.
After the fixture in Burundi on Thursday, Kenya will then travel to Abidjan for a clash against group leaders Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 13, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with kickoff set at 10:00 pm Kenyan time.
The Ivorians, fresh off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, remain locked in a tight race with Gabon for the group’s sole World Cup slot. For Kenya, the fixture is a test of resilience and a chance to gauge themselves against continental heavyweights.
Also Read: Kenyan Medalists to Fly Business Class After Uproar Over Peres Jepchirchir’s Flight
How to watch Kenya’s World Cup Qualifiers matches
Fans eager to follow the final leg of Kenya’s campaign can catch both matches live on KBC Channel 1. Coverage of the Burundi clash begins Thursday at 4:00 pm, while the Ivory Coast match will be aired next Tuesday at 10:00 pm.
With the World Cup now out of reach, attention has shifted to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has made it clear that his team is taking the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches seriously, with the intention of ending the campaign on a high note.
“Football is played on the pitch, not on paper. Côte d’Ivoire should not expect any favors from us. We are going for a win, and if Cote d’Ivoire wants to qualify for the World Cup, they must earn it,” the 47-year-old South African said on Monday in a pre-departure briefing at the Police Sacco Stadium during the team’s first training session for their final two qualifier matches.
“We have also analysed Burundi, and we have noted areas we need to improve on in order to overcome them.”
Also Read: Kenya Drops Two Places in Latest FIFA Rankings After World Cup Qualifiers
Kenya and Burundi last met on June 7, 2024, playing out a 1-1 draw in Lilongwe, where Kenya hosted its home fixture due to CAF’s stadium compliance issues. Both nations have had similarly underwhelming campaigns and will be hoping to avoid a bottom-two finish in the group.
Final Squad Named by McCarthy
McCarthy has named a 25-man squad for the double-header, featuring both tested internationals and uncapped prospects. Notably, captain Michael Olunga leads the front line, while midfielder Alpha Onyango and winger William Lenkupae are among the players expected to get minutes.
Full Harambee Stars Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders:
Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari
Midfielders:
Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo
Wingers:
William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers:
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
