Possible Lineups, Team News, Time and Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Kenya’s Harambee Stars take on Gambia Scorpions in the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Can they emerge victorious?

National team Harambee Stars World Cup hopes lie in their own hands as they prepare for the  crucial encounter against Gambia in matchday five of the 2026 edition of the quadrennial tournament. 

The highly anticipated match is set to take place on March 20 at 22:00  EAT. Harambee Stars are fourth in the six-team Group F of the African qualifiers, and the Gambia match has a lot of significance for the Benni McCarthy-coached Stars.

A win for Harambee Stars will boost their chances of qualification, considering that they will still have five more matches to play.  Kenya is aiming to make a first appearance at the World Cup and follow in the footsteps of the Junior Starlets who became the first Kenyan team  ever to play at the global show last year in the Dominican Republic. 

Possible Lineups, Team News, Time and Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Kenya focused on maximum points

Despite having claimed a meagre five points from four matches, captain Michael Olunga backs Kenya to seal the ticket from Ivory Coast group saying anything is possible.“We have a new coach, and he is believing in players, he called up a good number to the squad and everybody is just looking forward to the two fixtures, we know the group is still open and we face tough game, but we don’t have to give up because anything is possible, we have to go and fight,” Olunga said. 

Head coach Benni McCarthy expressed his excitement about leading the team in the World Cup qualifiers, stating: “I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign. There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team.”

A win is the only result that the Stars have to achieve to revive their chances of qualification.

Olympic champion Gabby Thomas explains why she opted for a second job after finding out that there’s no enough money on the track.

Gambia v Kenya: Kick off time and Venue

The match kicks off at 10 pm East Africa Time. The fixture between Gambia’s Scorpion and Harambee Stars will be played on Thursday, March 20th at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium. Gambia, who is the home team, don’t have a stadium approved by the world governing body FIFA or Confederation of African Football (CAF) to stage high-standard matches.

African footballers have enjoyed massive success on and off the field. While the huge perks is a reward for hard work, some of them own luxurious private jets.

No team will hold the home advantage meaning both have an equal  chance  to leave the West African country with maximum points. The Gambia will be desperate to win the match considering they have garnered just three points to sit fifth in the group. 

Gambia vs Kenya:  Where to watch

Catch the World Cup qualifier between Harambee Stars and The Gambia live on KBC Channel One this Thursday. Kick of is 10pm East African time. The fixture will also be live on SuperSport TV.

Team news

Defensive lynchpin Joseph Okumu is one of the most notable omissions from the Harambee Stars squad despite playing the full 90 minutes in Stade Reims’ goalless Ligue 1 draw against Brest on Sunday. Serbian-based defender Collins Sichenje suffered an injury in Vojvodina’s 3-1 loss against OFK Beograd and was dropped by McCarthy.

However, one of the biggest surprises was the exclusion of Austin Odhiambo, Gor Mahia’s top scorer this season with eight goals. FKFPL top scorer Ryan Ogam was also ommitted despite featuring in the Mapinduzi Cup in January.

Harambee Stars probable lineup

Starting XI: Ian Otieno (GK), Ronny Onyango, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Masud Juma, Michael Olung (captain) , John Avire.

Substitutes: Brian Bwire, Jonstone Omurwa,  Amos Nondi, Ismael Gonzalez, Mohammed Bajaber, Elvis Rupia, Jonah Ayunga