Ivory Coast will host Kenya’s Harambee Stars in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier set to be played at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night as they seek a return to the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2014.
The Elephants head into the game in formidable form, leading group F with 23 points from nine matches, having scored 22 goals and remarkably conceded none.
They have won seven and drawn two of their qualification matches as they face the Harambee Stars who stand between them and qualification.
The two nations have only met once previously in an international assignment, a 0-0 draw played on June 11, 2024, in Malawi in the reverse fixture.
Kenya played that match at a neutral venue due to the lack of an approved stadium in the country at the time.
The hosts, ranked 44th in the world, are aiming for a victory to secure the top spot and clinch the automatic qualification slot for the 2026 World Cup.
They currently hold a one-point lead over second placed Gabon who host Burundi simultaneously with both matches kicking off at 2200 East African Time.
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Kenya, mathematically eliminated from contention for qualification, will be looking to maintain their third-place position.
The Benni McCarthy-coached side will also be hoping to break Ivory Coast’s impressive nine-match cleansheet streak and gain coefficient points for the FIFA Ranking by beating a higher placed side.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manouakis ruled out a defensive approach, stating, “The mindset is to approach the game in the same manner and play on the front foot and try to go for the win.
I think every team knows if you try to sit back and defend 90 minutes against Ivory Coast, it is going to be a very difficult task and a very long match, we don’t intend to do that.”
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Ivory Coast Head Coach Emerse Faé on his part commented in the pre-match press conference, “We are not going to put any more pressure on ourselves. We have learned that the pitch is of better quality. We are counting on the support of our fans.”
The Elephants enter this encounter with no major injuries reported.
In their recent qualifier against Seychelles last week, Emerse Faé’s side secured an emphatic 7-0 victory.
Kenya will miss the services of goalkeeper Brian Bwire, who was injured in the first minute against Burundi, as well as Rooney Onyango, who will be serving a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation. Midfielder Alpha Onyango is also likely to miss the match due to fitness concerns.
Ivory Coast vs Harambee Stars current form
Ivory Coast: LWWDW
Kenya: WLLWW