Austine Odhiambo returns as McCarthy names Harambee Stars final squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifier final clashes

• Austine Odhiambo has been included in the Harambee Stars final squad for Kenya’s last two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier fixtures.
• Kenya will first face Burundi on October 9 at Intwari Stadium with kick-off set for 4 PM EAT.
• The team will then wrap up their campaign against Ivory Coast on October 14 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo is among the 24 players named in the Harambee Stars final squad set to feature in the last two fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast next month.

Odhiambo, who impressed during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship, made headlines after being omitted from Benni McCarthy’s previous squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles earlier this month.

The reason for his initial exclusion remains unclear, but his recall sees him join the team for Group F’s two concluding fixtures.

While these matches cannot secure Kenya a spot in the upcoming World Cup, positive results could still earn valuable points for the next FIFA ranking.

The team will first face Burundi on October 9, 2025, at the Intwari Stadium (4:00 PM EAT), before concluding their campaign against Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium (10:00 PM EAT).

ALSO READ: Harambee Stars coach refuses to address Austine Odhiambo’s exclusion from 2026 World Cup Qualifiers squad

Who are the new inclusions in the Harambee Stars final squad?

Joining Odhiambo in the refreshed squad is England-based defender Vincent Harper, who has earned a recall. This marks his official maiden call-up, although he was previously selected for a friendly match in Russia in 2023.

Additionally, Kenya U20 sensation Lawrence Okoth has received a senior team nod following his impressive performances at the 2025 AFCON in Egypt, where he found the back of the net twice.

Earlier this year, Okoth secured a move to Finnish top-tier club SJK Seinajoki from MOFA, signing a two-year contract.

From the previous squad, three players have been dropped: Gor Mahia defender Lewis Bandi, Richard Odada and winger Emmanuel Osoro. Rising star Job Ochieng is among those retained.

Harambee Stars who are currently sitting 5th in the group with 9 points, will be looking to finish their qualification journey on a positive note.

The squad will report to camp in early October with the final travelling list set to be confirmed following medical and fitness assessments.

ALSO READ: McCarthy reveals why Everton and Bristol City players did not join Harambee Stars squad

Harambee Stars final squad for 2026 WCQ vs Burundi and Ivory Coast

Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire

Defenders
Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders
Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo

Wingers
William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri

Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth

Harambee Stars previous WCQ results

1. Gabon 2-1 Kenya
2. Seychelles 0-5 Kenya
3. Kenya 1-1 Burundi
4. Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast
5. The Gambia 3-3 Kenya
6. Kenya 1-2 Gabon
7. Kenya 1-3 Gambia
8. Kenya 5-0 Seychelles