Following the 2026 World Cup qualifiers groupings for the CAF countries, here is a look at Harambee Stars’ chances of making it to their maiden World Cup qualification.
Harambee Stars were in drawn in Group ‘F’ of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the new format introduced by FIFA, the fifty-five participating African teams will be drawn into nine groups which will include six teams. The winner of each group will clinch an automatic qualification. The four best runners-up from each group will play in a play-off tournament where the winners join the qualified teams.
Let’s take a look over the Group F opponents and magnify Harambee Stars’ chances of securing the qualification.
Cote d’Ivoire
This is without a doubt, the fiercest opponent that stands in Harambee Stars’ way. Ranked 9th in Africa while 51st in the World, Ivory Coast will be a force to reckon with.
They have a star-studded team that includes players like Frank Kessie- Barcelona, Wilfried Zaha- Former Crystal Palace winger, Maxwell Cornet- West Ham United, and Nicolas Pepe- Arsenal, among other lethal stars.
Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire have met just once, in 1994, when Kenya was thrashed 4-0.
Gabon
Kenya must not underestimate Gabon. Not only are there ranked higher by FIFA, but possess a lethal Arsenal of football stars.
Gabon is ranked 17th in the continent while 86th in the world. They have met four times- Harambee Stars have won twice, lost once, and drawn once. Not a bad head-to-head stat for Harambee Stars.
Gambia
This nation is lowly ranked to Harambee Stars. They are ranked 29th in the continent and 119th in the World. They have never locked horns.
Burundi
Harambee Stars has faced off eleven times with Burundi where there has been an even outcome. Each has won four while drawing twice. They are ranked 140th in the continent and 40th in Africa.
Seychelles
This is without a doubt the ‘easiest’ game. According to head-to-head, they have met six times- Harambee Stars winning five and losing once. They are ranked 196th on the globe and 50th in Africa.
Kenya has a strong chance of winning Group F; however, Cote d’Ivoire seems to be the stumbling block.
