Benni McCarthy: Why Harambee Stars Coach Still Believes in World Cup Qualification

Benni McCarthy instructs his Harambee Stars players during Kenya vs Gabon match at Nyayo Stadium. Photo/FKF Media

Benni McCarthy: Why Harambee Stars Coach Still Believes in World Cup Qualification

Stephen Awino 13:57 - 14.04.2025

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is still hopeful for a World Cup qualification spot despite a grim outlook for Kenya in Group F.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed optimism about Kenya's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite facing a tough challenge in Group F.

The Harambee Stars currently sits fourth in the group with six points.

Ivory Coast leads the standings with 16 points, followed by Gabon with 15 and Burundi with 10.

Harambee Stars face an uphill task to secure a qualification spot, especially with only four matches remaining.

McCarthy, who has so far overseen two fixtures, against Gambia and Gabon, remains confident that his side can stage a dramatic comeback and revive their World Cup hopes.

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McCarthy’s Vision for Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars are gearing up for a pressure-filled 2026 World Cup qualifier fixtures period.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with his players in a training session. Photo/FKF Media

“Our focus now is mainly on how we can get the team in the best possible shape — so we can compete to win the CHAN, to win the AFCON, and to win the remaining four matches of the World Cup qualification,” said McCarthy in a recent interview with NTV.

Harambee Stars’ Road to the 2026 World Cup

Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Mohammed Bajaber celebrates goal against Gambia during the March International break..

Kenya’s fate is no longer entirely in their hands.

To qualify, Harambee Stars must win all their remaining matches—against Gambia, Seychelles, Burundi, and Ivory Coast—and hope that both Gabon and Ivory Coast drop crucial points along the way.

Even with maximum points, Kenya would still be relying on favorable outcomes in other Group F fixtures to finish second and keep their qualification hopes alive.

“With a glimmer of hope, if we win all four games and Ivory Coast and Gabon drop points — lose a game here and there — then we’re back in contention for second place. So, the hope is still there, and that’s what we’re fighting for,” said McCarty hopefully.

For now, Harambee Stars must focus on their own performances and hope that results elsewhere play in their favor as the World Cup qualification campaign nears its conclusion.