Harambee Stars Arrive in Abidjan Ready to Wreck Ivory Coast’s World Cup Dream

Harambee Stars have touched down in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan ahead of their final 2026 World Cup qualifier against their hosts Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Benni McCarthy’s men stand in the way for the African champions and a return to the World Cup as Emerse Fae’s team must win to be certain of a direct ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

This is because Gabon are breathing down their necks and any slip ups would hand The Panthers a chance to close in and nick the direct World Cup ticket.

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After nine matches, Ivory Coast lead Group F with 23 points while Gabon have 22 and therefore, failure to beat Kenya, coupled with The Panthers’ win over Burundi on the final matchday will see Thierry Mouyouma’s men make it to the World Cup.

Ivory Coast have been flawless in their recent run of matches and come into the game having crushed African minnows Seychelles 7-0 on Thursday but Kenya will present a different challenge.

Fae’s star-studded squad have to find a way past Benni McCarthy’s team who are not under any pressure and might bring out their A-Game in an attempt to show their hosts that they are not pushovers.

Kenya and Ivory Coast played out a goalless draw when both teams faced off in June 2024 and McCarthy would likely set his team up not to lose, hence the difficulties the African champions face.

That was the first and only meeting between the two teams and it remains to be seen how they approach the game on Tuesday.