2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Predicted Harambee Stars Line Up Against Burundi

With Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already over, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is expected to use their upcoming match against Burundi as an opportunity to test his depth and continue building a foundation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.

The clash, set to take place in Bujumbura, offers McCarthy a chance to rotate his squad — resting some of his key players ahead of the more high-profile fixture against Ivory Coast next week.

 Several fringe and returning players are expected to be handed minutes, while others look to cement their place in the starting eleven heading into the new qualification and AFCON preparation cycle.

Brian Bwire will be expected to start in goal ahead of first choice goalkeeper Byrne Omondi and Faruk Shikhalo with Benni McCarthy expected to rest some of his heavy hitters ahead of the Ivory Coast match next week.

Bwire started the last game against Seychelles, but with both sides virtually having nothing to play for, this will be a fantastic opportunity for McCarthy to give Bwire more minutes under his belt as he continues assessing his options and depth for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is what he is basically building toward.

With Ronney Onyango not fully fit, having had to undergo some tests, Benni McCarthy may have to rest him with an eye on the Ivory Coast game, which means Daniel Sakari will have another chance to remind people of his capabilities, and thus, will be expected to start at right back.

The Serbian based center back started each of the country’s last two games in September and was even handed the captain’s armband during the 5-0 rout of Seychelles, and with the likes of Joseph Okumu still unavailable, the former AFC Leopards will likely start again.

Despite already having Mike Kibwage and Alphonce Omija at his disposal, Benni McCarthy will likely still chose to maintain the same partnership that helped dominate Seychelles, which means Sylvester Owino will likely start this game.

With Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma still unavailable and Vincent Harper yet to be tested internationally, added to the fact he is more of a wingback than a left back, Abud Omar will likely get the nod to start in the position.

The new Nairobi United man brought a sense of positionalism, athleticism and solidity to the side during CHAN 2024, and signed from KCB in the offseason.

With Richard Odada left out and Alpha Onyango another one still undergoing late fitness tests, Okwaro will likely get the nod to start in midfield ahead of Timothy Ouma, despite getting more gametime recently for Lech Poznan.

The Yanga man will likely start alongside Okwaro in that deep lying midfield pivot role.

William Lenkupae has already established himself as a key part of Benni McCarthy’s thinking given his energy, ability to make himself the spare man, late runs from deep as well as goalscoring knack. He will be expected to start on the right wing, but will play a key role in overloading the midfield.

The Real Sociedad B man has been on fine form for his club in La Liga 2, scoring once and registering two assists so far this campaign, and did well on his first start for the side against Seychelles.

He will be expected to get the nod for this game on the left ahead of Boniface Muchiri.

Ryan Ogam will likely start as the shadow striker behind Michael Olunga for the game, with the two strikers getting a brace each the last time they started together against Seychelles.

Ogam has become a fan favorite, and his goalscoring knack, as well as his back to goal play, technique and ability to also create for his teammates a very valuable trait.

Michael Olunga is just three goals shy of becoming the country’s all time leading goalscorer, and will likely start the game despite fitness doubts.