Benni McCarthy Opens Up on Harambee Stars' Big FIFA Series Plan Ahead of AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has identified the upcoming FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, as a vital component of the team's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking over the weekend at a SportPesa League match between APS Bomet and Kenya Police FC, Benni McCarthy emphasised that the tournament offers a unique chance to assess his players and tactical approaches against international teams.

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"The FIFA Series gives our team a chance to compete against opponents from different continents in conditions that closely resemble what we will face at major tournaments," Benni McCarthy stated, as quoted by The Star. "It is exactly the type of exposure our players need as we continue to grow and improve."

The former Manchester United coach confirmed that the squad for the competition will be announced shortly, with a clear objective in mind.

"We are finalising our selections, but the focus is clear: we want a balanced team capable of learning, testing tactical plans and gaining invaluable international experience," he explained.

Harambee Stars are set to kick off its campaign against Estonia on March 27 at Amahoro Stadium. The outcome of this match will determine their subsequent opponent, which will be either the host nation Rwanda or Grenada.

The tournament format dictates that the winners of the initial matches will advance to the final, while the losing teams will compete in a third-place playoff on March 30.

Benni McCarthy highlighted the broader benefits of the series, noting its importance for building team cohesion and adaptability.

"These tournaments are not just about what happens during the 90 minutes," he said. "Competing against teams with different styles, strengths and football cultures challenges us to adapt and respond in ways we don’t see in domestic competition."

The FIFA Series initiative aims to provide member associations with meaningful friendly matches in a competitive setting.

While the games are officially non-competitive, they offer a structured format, with any drawn matches proceeding directly to a penalty shootout to ensure a decisive result.

The tournament will also be broadcast globally, increasing the visibility of participating nations. The series brings together a diverse mix of teams from various confederations, aligning with FIFA's goal of promoting inclusive football development.

Benni McCarthy framed Kenya's involvement as a strategic step toward building a formidable team for AFCON 2027.

"We are focused on building Harambee Stars in a way that allows us to measure progress and identify areas for improvement," he remarked.

"Every match is an opportunity to test our tactics, integrate new players and strengthen our squad for the challenges ahead."

He also stressed the value of exposing younger talent to high-level international football. "We look forward to using this platform to test ourselves, gain valuable experience and continue building the team in the right direction," McCarthy concluded. "Our goal is to ensure Harambee Stars are competitive when it matters most."