Michael Olunga Reflects on Harambee Stars' World Cup Exit, Explains Newfound Optimism Under Benni McCarthy

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has opened up about failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as he revealed the newfound belief the players have under coach Benni McCarthy.

Harambee Stars concluded their journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, ultimately failing to secure a historic spot at the tournament.

Drawn in a challenging Group F alongside heavyweights Ivory Coast and Gabon, as well as Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles, Harambee Stars battled through 10 fixtures over the campaign.

The Kenyan team finished the qualification cycle with a record of three wins, three draws, and four losses. This effort saw them accumulate a total of 12 points in the standings.

While Harambee Stars demonstrated a significant attacking threat, scoring 18 goals, they were undone by defensive lapses, conceding 14 goals over the ten matches. Harambee Stars finished the campaign in fourth position in Group F.

Ivory Coast topped the group, securing automatic qualification for the World Cup, while Gabon, in second place, advanced to the next stage of the qualifiers.

Reflecting on Kenya's own unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaign, Michael Olunga pointed to a significant logistical challenge.

"We played most of our games outside our country because we didn't have the proper CAF-accredited stadiums," he explained in an interview with Flashscore.

"Lack of playing at home can really derail your performances. Now that the stadiums were inspected and we've played recent home games, you can see the transition. We are generating good results."

However, Michael Olunga has since expressed optimism about the national team's direction, particularly ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

He pointed out that Benni McCarthy has brought out a different energy, and the players are willing to give their all. Michael Olunga also highlighted that many players are getting opportunities to play in Europe, something that will be helpful ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

"I think we have a newfound belief in the team under Benni McCarthy. We're building towards the next AFCON... and believe that we are on a good ascent. More players are moving to Europe, playing outside the Kenya Premier League, which will be a good step for our team come 2027," Michael Olunga added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming AFCON, the Harambee Stars striker identified his top contenders for the title.

"AFCON is a tight call. Morocco they are playing at home and will have the crowd behind them. We all know what they did at the World Cup. For me, I'd say Morocco, Egypt, and the Ivory Coast are the top three," he added.

While Harambee Stars fell short of a historic World Cup qualification, Michael Olunga’s reflections highlight a team in transition, one gaining confidence, experience, and international exposure under Benni McCarthy.

With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon and Kenya set to co-host, the squad appears poised for growth, fueled by a new sense of belief and the increasing presence of players in European leagues.