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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has admitted Kenya are facing an uphill battle in 2026 World Cup qualification.
Kenya national team Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted why his charges' chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are now slim — pointing to a difficult start in their qualifying campaign and the growing points gap between them and group leaders Ivory Coast.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with CGTN Africa,McCarthy reflected on the challenges the team has faced since the new technical bench took over.
McCarthy revealed that when he and the current coaching staff took over, they inherited a team already on the back foot. Kenya drew their first game under his tutelage against Gambia, which resulted in a 3-3 draw and then suffered a defeat — including a key loss to Gabon, who are also in the hunt for qualification.
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“The World Cup will be very difficult for us,” he said. “For us to qualify — very difficult — because the point gap between the first and fourth, where we are, is quite wide.”
Slow Start Cost Harambee Stars- McCarthy
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“We came in and straight away had two matches — we drew one and lost one,” McCarthy said. “Losing to Gabon kind of sets us back massively.”
Group leaders Ivory Coast have maintained a perfect or near-perfect record, putting them in strong contention for a qualification spot, and Kenya is now chasing from behind.
Kenya started their campaign away from home in November 2023 by losing 2-1 to Gabon, before beating Seychelles 5-0.
They then drew 1-1 with Burundi and then 0-0 with Ivory Coast in June 2024, so by the time McCarthy was coming into the fold, the side had only accumulated 5 points.
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21:25 - 02.07.2025
CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Benni McCarthy has unveiled a 35-man provisional Harambee Stars squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament, his first major assignment as Kenya’s head coach.
Despite the uphill task, McCarthy insisted that the technical team is working to instill belief, confidence, and a winning mentality within the squad.
“A team should be the reflection of the manager and the coaches. If the coach lives by a code, then the team follows,” he said.
“We have an arrogance about us, but we’re also humble and respectful. But when it comes down to us or you winning the game — then it has to be us.”
He emphasised that instilling aggression, self-belief, and a competitive edge into the Kenyan side is key to building a football culture capable of long-term success, even if World Cup qualification in 2026 proves out of reach.
Looking Ahead
While 2026 may be a stretch, McCarthy sees the current cycle as a foundation for future success.
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12:00 - 01.07.2025
Government Reveals When Nyayo Stadium Will Be Handed Over With CHAN 2024 Four Weeks Away
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has revealed when Nyayo Stadium will be handed over ahead of CHAN 2024, with the tournament now just four weeks away.
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will be co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) this August, and also the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
By shaping a strong football identity now, Kenya can become more competitive in regional and global competitions going forward, beginning with both ‘home’ tournaments.
“We try and instill that into Kenyans and Kenyan football,” he said. “That extra something about us — that we want to win.”
Kenya’s road to the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico remains steep, but McCarthy’s comments reflect a coaching staff committed to long-term growth, culture change, and national pride, even if short-term results fall short.
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