The Kenya national men’s football team Harambee Stars will know their opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers on Thursday July 13 at the draw in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Harambee Stars finds itself in Pot 3 alongside formidable opponents as the anticipation builds for the journey to the finals for the tournament that will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The draw, which will be streamed live on CAF digital platforms, will take place at 15:00 GMT (18:00 Nairobi time), just hours after the 45th CAF Ordinary Assembly convenes in the Ivorian capital.
With CAF dividing its member associations into nine groups, each comprising various teams, the stakes are higher than ever. The winners of each group will secure an automatic qualification for the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the journey doesn’t end there for the four best runners-up, as they will enter a CAF Play-Off tournament. The ultimate victor of this tournament will proceed to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, a crucial step toward World Cup glory.
As Harambee Stars find themselves in Pot 3, they face a challenging path to secure their place in the qualifiers.
The prospect of facing some of Africa’s football powerhouses looms large as Pot 1 comprises teams like Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Ivory Coast.
These teams have a proven track record in international competitions and will undoubtedly pose significant challenges for Kenya.
Harambee Stars, led by their passionate and determined coach, Engin Firat will be focusing on their preparations to face these formidable opponents.
Stars will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory and the opportunity to represent the African continent in the FIFA World Cup.
As the countdown to the draw begins, football fans across Kenya eagerly await the outcome.
The draw will not only determine the path Harambee Stars will need to navigate but also create a sense of unity and anticipation among fans as they rally behind their team.
Pot 1
Morocco (6), Senegal (3), Tunisia (6), Algeria (4), Egypt (3), Nigeria (6), Cameroon (8), Mali, Ivory Coast (3)
Pot 2
Burkina Faso, Ghana (4), South Africa (3), Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo (1), Guinea, Zambia, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea
Pot 3
Uganda, Benin, Mauritania, Kenya, Congo Brazzaville, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Angola (1)
Pot 4
Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Togo (1), Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, Malawi, Libya
Pot 5
Niger, Comoros, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Botswana, Liberia
Pot 6
Lesotho, South Sudan, Mauritius, Chad, Sao Tome e Principe, Djibouti, Seychelles, Eritrea, Somalia
