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Kenyans have long yearned to grace the FIFA World Cup, but they remain without a solitary appearance in the country's 50-year footballing history. As the newly enhanced 2026 edition of the tournament looms large, however, the hopes of the Harambee Stars have surged higher than ever before.
The competition's expansion from 32 to 48 teams provides significantly greater opportunities for African nations, with the number of qualification slots increasing from five to nine. This change represents a lifeline for teams like Kenya, who have struggled to break onto the global stage. With CAF's qualifying campaign currently well underway, they currently find themselves well positioned having only lost one of their opening four games.
They are currently in fourth place in Group F, four points behind second-placed Gabon with the Ivory Coast a point further adrift. However, after a spirited goalless draw at home to the table toppers as well as a narrow 2-1 defeat on the road against Gabon, there is hope that a successful campaign could be just around the corner.
Currently, online bookmakers such as Wildz Sports make the likes of France and Spain the favourites for World Cup glory, pricing both teams at 6/1. But for Kenya, all focus is solely on qualifying for the tournament for the first time ever. If they can have a campaign similar to these two, there's no reason to think that they can't make it to the promised land.
The Road to France '98
The 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers marked one of Kenya’s most spirited campaigns. With the tournament held in France, FIFA adopted an expanded format much like the one we will see in 18 months' time. The tournament was expanded from 16 to 32 teams which saw stronger competition in Africa, yet Kenya gave one of its most memorable performances. Coached by German tactician Reinhard Fabisch, the Harambee Stars showed immense promise, drawing confidence from the talented squad they had assembled.
They made it through to the second round after picking up a shock 3-2 aggregate victory against Algeria. Then, they were drawn into a difficult group alongside Nigeria, but Kenya would give them all they could handle and more. They managed to pick up a 1-1 draw at home against the Super Eagles in front of 60,000 in Nairobi, giving the hosts hope that they could qualify for the first time ever.
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Striker Michael Okoth masterminded back-to-back victories against Burkina Faso and Guinea, netting four in the first and one in the second to put his side on the brink. Unfortunately though, they couldn't get over the line. They travelled to Nigeria in the penultimate game knowing that if they could avoid defeat, they may very well progress. But sadly, they were resoundingly beaten 3-0, leaving them needing a miracle on the final matchday.
That never came, and it was ultimately the Super Eagles that progressed. They finished one point clear of Guinea, with Kenya two points further adrift. They have never come within three points of qualifying in the years since.
First-ever African World Cup
Fast forward to the 2010 qualifiers, and Kenya found themselves reinvigorated after years of frustration. The 2010 World Cup was historic for Africa, as South Africa became the first African nation to host the tournament. This added extra motivation for teams across the continent, and the Harambee Stars were no exception.
Qualifiers for that year's showpiece were revamped, featuring two group stages. Kenya breezed through the first, finishing as group runners-up to Guinea. Prolific striker Dennis Oliech carried much of the nation's hopes on his shoulders, and he was on blistering form netting four times. Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga was also considered as one of the finest players the country had ever produced, and he too was on song throughout the initial group phase.
Unfortunately, however, the second group stage proved a step too far. After being drawn in a tough quartet alongside Tunisia and Nigeria, there wasn't much hope for progression, and that is ultimately what transpired. The two heavyweights progressed to South Africa, while Mozambique finished third.
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