Kenya’s national team, which had gone four years without hosting international matches at home, has been granted permission to host Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya is among the countries selected to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for locally-based players in August 2025, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
Preparations for the stadiums that Kenya will use have faced significant challenges due to delays in renovations. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) extended the country’s preparation time.
To ensure the stadiums meet the required standards, the President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Hussein Mohammed, who is also a member of the organizing committee for the African tournaments, confirmed that the venues must undergo test matches.
This was further emphasized by Myke Rabar, the Director General in charge of monitoring AFCON and CHAN preparations in Kenya.
He stated, “We appreciate CAF for giving us the opportunity to further enhance our capacity to host these tournaments. This will ensure that the competition runs even more smoothly than previous African tournaments.”
This is why it has been confirmed that Kenya’s home matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will take place in the country, including the match against Gabon, which will be played at Nyayo National Stadium.
Harambee Stars, who were hosting their matches in Malawi, are currently in fourth place in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers, alongside group leaders Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Burundi, Gambia, and Seychelles.
