MOI INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE KASARANI, NYAYO STADIUM TO HOST WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS IN SEPTEMBER

Kenya is preparing to stage three crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month, barely days after wrapping up the African Nations Championships (CHAN).

The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which has been the heartbeat of CHAN, will continue hosting major fixtures. Harambee Stars begin their next phase against The Gambia on Friday, September 5, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. Four days later, Kenya faces Seychelles at the same venue.

Nyayo Stadium will also play a role in the qualifiers. It will host The Gambia versus Burundi in a late-night clash on Tuesday, September 9, with kickoff at 10 p.m. under floodlights. The game will mark Nyayo’s first international match since hosting CHAN group games earlier this month.

Harambee Stars’ journey in Group F has been a mix of highs and lows. Kenya sits fourth with six points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast on 16. Their campaign has included an emphatic 5–0 victory over Seychelles but also back-to-back losses to Gabon.

Coach Benni McCarthy, still searching for his first competitive win since taking over, has overseen a 3–3 draw with The Gambia and a narrow 2–1 defeat to Gabon. The September fixtures are being billed as make-or-break moments for his tenure and Kenya’s World Cup hopes.

Beyond the qualifiers, Kasarani will close out CHAN by hosting Kenya’s quarterfinal against Madagascar and the tournament’s final. Semi-finals will be played outside the country regardless of Harambee Stars’ progress.

Kenya’s group stage will conclude with tough away assignments against Burundi on October 6 and Ivory Coast a week later, tests that could determine whether McCarthy’s side reaches football’s biggest stage for the first time.