McDonald Mariga Explains Strategy to Help Harambee Starlets Reach 2027 World Cup After WAFCON Qualification

Football Kenya Federation vice president McDonald Mariga believes Harambee Starlets have all it takes to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil following their impressive show in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Harambee Starlets qualified after stunning Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. The Starlets started their campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory at home before winning 1-0 in their away match in Senegal.

Now, McDonald Mariga has explained that plans are underway to ensure the Starlets are well-prepared for the continental showpiece and, through that, hopefully qualify for the World Cup.

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The Women’s AFCON presents an opportunity for Harambee Starlets to qualify for the World Cup beyond the battle for continental glory.

The 2026 showpiece will serve as the main qualification pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning an automatic spot.

Two more teams will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for a final shot at global qualification, and Harambee Starlets will be hoping to be among those qualifying for the World Cup.

“WAFCON is a big tournament, and we have to start our preparations early and on time so that we can have the team ready for the upcoming tournament,” McDonald Mariga said.

“If we reach the semifinals, we shall be qualified to participate in the World Cup, so this is a very important tournament and we have to prepare very well.”

McDonald Mariga further expressed his appreciation to the football federation and the government for their consistent support of the national teams.

He noted that this backing has greatly inspired the players and boosted their determination to achieve greater success.

“First of all, I thank the federation through president Hussein Mohammed because of the support we have given to teams,” he shared.

“Secondly, I want to thank President Ruto, through the Ministry, who has been supporting the teams, and this motivates the players a lot. This is a huge achievement, and with this kind of support, players are determined to go far.”

At the Women’s AFCON in 2026 in Morocco, Harambee Starlets will be up against heavyweights, including 10-time champions Nigeria, the hosts, and Ghana. Zambia and South Africa will also be in the mix.