2026 World Cup: Kenya's squad announced for clashes with Gambia and Seychelles | OneFootball

2026 World Cup: Kenya's squad announced for clashes with Gambia and Seychelles

Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his 23-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.

The former South African striker has put his faith in the core group that impressed at CHAN 2024, where the Harambee Stars stunned many by advancing from a tough group before falling to Madagascar in the quarterfinals.

However, two notable absences have caught the eye. Austin Odhiambo, who scored twice at CHAN and was the team's joint-top scorer, has been left out. Eric “Marcelo” Ouma is also missing after picking up an injury on August 17 during a league match in Poland.

On the other hand, McCarthy has called up several overseas-based players such as Brian Bwire, Collins Sichenje, Richard Odada, and, above all, captain Michael Olunga. Notably, 22-year-old Job Ochieng, who plays for Real Sociedad B, has received his first ever call-up.

Kenya remains fourth in Group F, and their dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance is slipping further away, now ten points behind group leaders Ivory Coast.