Austine, Bajaber and Marcelo left out as McCarthy names final Harambee Stars 2026 World Cup qualifiers squad

Austine Odhiambo will not feature for Harambee Stars in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite his key role in Kenya’s recent run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Head coach Benni McCarthy unveiled his 23-man squad for matches against The Gambia and Seychelles, leaving out Gor Mahia midfielder Odhiambo, who was one of Kenya’s standout players at CHAN. Odhiambo scored twice and finished as joint top scorer for Kenya alongside Ryan Ogam, but was surprisingly benched in the quarter-final defeat to Madagascar.

Also missing is dependable left back and Eric “Marcelo” Ouma, who was forced off after just six minutes while playing for his Polish club Raków Częstochowa earlier this month. His absence leaves McCarthy with a gap in defence as Kenya prepares for the crucial qualifiers.

Other notable omissions include Mohammed Bajaber, who missed CHAN through injury but has since returned to club football with Simba SC.

McCarthy, however, has boosted his squad with several foreign-based players, including captain Michael Olunga, midfielder Richard Odada, and defender Collins Sichenje. Spain-based forward Job Ochieng, only 22, has received his first senior call-up after impressing with Real Sociedad B.

The Harambee Stars coach said the team will build on its strong CHAN display, where they beat former champions DR Congo and Morocco to top their group before bowing out on penalties to Madagascar.

Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F and faces a tough road to their maiden World Cup, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by ten points. But with a mix of experienced internationals and young talent, McCarthy believes the team still has reason to fight.

The first qualifier will see Kenya take on The Gambia before facing Seychelles.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Byrne Omondi
Defenders: Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Rooney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders: Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Mansur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Forwards: Emmanuel Osoro, Will Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam