Harambee Stars Squad for Final World Cup Qualifiers Named

Head Coach Benni McCarthy has announced his final Harambee Stars squad for Kenya’s last two fixtures in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

Both matches will be played away, bringing down the curtain on Kenya’s qualification journey.

The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and promising youngsters. England-based defender Vincent Harper has been handed his first-ever call-up, while striker Lawrence Okoth has earned promotion from the junior ranks. Okoth impressed during the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, scoring twice in the group stage.

Kenya will open their double-header against Burundi on October 9, 2025, at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura, with kick-off set for 4pm EAT.

Five days later, McCarthy’s men will travel to Abidjan to face Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on October 14, 2025, with kick-off at 10pm EAT.

The Harambee Stars currently sit fifth in their qualification group with nine points and will be aiming to sign off on a strong note.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers

1. Faruk Shikhalo – Bandari FC
2. Brian Bwire – Polokwane City
3. Byrne Omondi – Gor Mahia

Defenders

4. Manzur Okwaro – Nairobi Utd
5. Vincent Harper – Walsall
6. Sylvester Owino – Gor Mahia
7. Alphonce Omija – E.S. Du Sahel
8. Collins Sichenje – Vojvodina
9. Michael Kibwage – Gor Mahia
10. Ronney Onyango – Sogndal
11. Abud Omar – Kenya Police
12. Daniel Sakari – Kenya Police

Midfielders

13. Alpha Onyango – Gor Mahia
14. Duke Abuya – Yanga
15. Timothy Ouma – Lech Poznan
16. Ben Stanley – Gor Mahia
17. Marvin Nabwire – Kenya Police
18. Austine Odhiambo – Gor Mahia

Wingers

19. William Lenkupae – VPS
20. Job Ochieng – Real Sociedad
21. Boniface Muchiri – Ulinzi Stars

Strikers

22. Michael Olunga – Al-Arabi
23. Ryan Ogam – Wolfsberger AC
24. Lawrence Okoth – SJK Seinajoki