Kenya is preparing to host three high-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, barely a week after concluding the month-long African Nations Championships (CHAN).

The CHAN final will take place on Saturday, August 30, at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the same venue that hosted all of Kenya’s group matches. Immediately after, the stadium will transform into the battleground for World Cup qualifiers as nations fight for a spot in the global showpiece, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to FIFA’s official timetable, Harambee Stars will resume their qualification campaign on Friday, September 5, with a game against The Gambia at Kasarani Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., though FIFA said the timing might be changed for logistical reasons.

Just four days later, Tuesday, September 9, Kenya will return to Kasarani to take on Seychelles in another 4:00 p.m. fixture.

Meanwhile, Nyayo Stadium will host a neutral Group F match between The Gambia and Burundi. Unlike most matches, this will be played under floodlights, with a rare 10:00 p.m. kickoff.

After completing their two September home matches, Harambee Stars will close their group stage campaign away from home. They will play Burundi on Monday, October 6, and conclude with a tough away game against Ivory Coast a week later.

CHAN action will conclude in Kenya with the quarterfinal between Harambee Stars and Madagascar, followed by the final at Kasarani. The last international match at Nyayo Stadium during CHAN was Niger’s clash with Algeria on Monday, August 18. The semifinals of the tournament will be played outside Kenya irrespective of whether Harambee Stars qualify or not.

Currently, Harambee Stars are fourth in Group F with six points. Ivory Coast tops the log with 16 points, and The Gambia and Burundi in the middle.

Kenya’s campaign has seen its share of ups and downs. They started off brightly with a thorough 5-0 win over Seychelles, followed by three gritty draws: a 1-1 draw against Burundi, a 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast, and a see-sawing 3-3 draw with The Gambia. Momentum slackened, however, in their last couple of matches as they suffered back-to-back defeats to Gabon, both home and away.

Coach Benni McCarthy, who was hired at the beginning of the year, is yet to claim his first qualifying victory with the Harambee Stars. He has had two games so far – a 3-3 draw with The Gambia and a narrow 2-1 loss to Gabon.

With the double header against The Gambia in September at Kasarani looming, McCarthy faces a defining moment in his short tenure. The results against The Gambia and Seychelles could determine whether Harambee Stars keep their World Cup dreams alive.