Gabon’s 4-0 Win Over Seychelles Ends Kenya’s 2026 World Cup Qualification Hopes
Kenya’s Harambee Stars have seen their already slim chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup effectively vanish following Gabon’s decisive 4-0 victory against Seychelles on Wednesday.
Although Kenya was largely eliminated from contention after a 2-1 home defeat to Gabon in March, the team still held a mathematical chance of advancing by winning all four remaining matches and relying on favorable results from other fixtures. For this to happen, Gabon, who sat second in Group F with 15 points after six matches, would have needed to lose or draw multiple upcoming games, while Burundi, currently on 10 points, would have had to secure at least 18 points by the end of the qualifiers.
With Kenya currently on six points, the team needed a perfect run in their final four matches to reach 18 points and claim at least second place in the group. However, this scenario was always unlikely, especially considering the challenging fixtures ahead, including an away match against reigning African champions Ivory Coast.
Gabon’s emphatic win in Seychelles, highlighted by a hat-trick from US-based striker Denis Bouanga and a goal from Yannis M’Bemba, propelled them to 18 points with three games remaining. This result makes it impossible for Kenya to overtake Gabon, while Ivory Coast, with four matches left, remain the clear favorites to top Group F.
Even if Kenya were to win all their remaining games, their poor head-to-head record against Gabon-having lost both home and away-means they cannot surpass the Panthers in the standings. Consequently, Kenya’s path to the World Cup is closed, regardless of other outcomes.
Harambee Stars will next face The Gambia at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, followed by a match against Seychelles on Tuesday. While World Cup qualification is out of reach, strong performances in these games can improve Kenya’s FIFA ranking and build momentum ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast will host Burundi in a crucial fixture that could secure their position at the top of Group F and a direct ticket to the World Cup, leaving the remaining teams to compete for the playoff spot awarded to the group’s runner-up.
