For the first time in years, Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play a World Cup qualifier on home soil. FIFA has confirmed that Nairobi will stage two key matches in September, offering a much-needed boost to the national team and its fans.
The Stars will face The Gambia on 5 September, followed by Seychelles on 9 September at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenya sit fourth in Group F with six points, far behind leaders Ivory Coast, who have 16. To keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive, the team must win at home.
Benni McCarthy, who took charge after leading South Africa to a strong showing at CHAN 2024, is optimistic. “Playing at home gives us the energy we need. The fans will be our twelfth man,” McCarthy said during a press briefing.
The return to Kasarani is significant for supporters who have waited years to watch the Stars compete in high-stakes qualifiers at home.
In addition, Nairobi will also host The Gambia versus Burundi on 9 September at Nyayo Stadium, making the city a busy hub for African qualifiers.
Kenya’s campaign remains a steep climb, but the chance to play in front of home fans may just shift momentum. For many, these matches are more than qualifiers — they are a revival of national pride in football.
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