The Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, will host their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Burundi at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi, the Football Federation of Burundi (FFB) has announced.This unusual arrangement comes as a result of Kenya lacking a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadium, with Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums closed for renovations to meet the required international standards.##NAJAVA_MECA_8103888##The refurbishment works are part of the country’s preparations for the East Africa Pamoja bid, which will see Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.The renovation works at the 60,000-seater Kasarani Stadium are expected to be completed by December, while Nyayo Stadium is anticipated to be ready before September to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Burundi announced this development in a press conference held at the federation’s offices in Bujumbura, addressed by the body’s President Alexander Muteshi, and later shared the news through their national team’s social media channels. Umugwi nserukiragihugu Intamba mu rugamba wimirije inkino zibiri zizobahuza na Kenya hamwe na Seychelles mu nkino zo gukurakuranamwo z’igikombe c’isi yose co mu mwaka wa 2026. Izo nkino zikaba zitegekanijwe ku magenekerezo ya 07 na 11 Ruheshi 2024. pic.twitter.com/DovCKpb4dX— Equipe Nationale de Football du Burundi (@intambazacu) May 14, 2024 This situation leaves Kenya in a critical position ahead of crucial matches, with the national team at risk of losing home advantage.The Kenyan national team, the Stars, played ten away games last year, with their last home match resulting in a 1-0 loss to South Sudan in September 2023. Firat boasts of reviving Harambee Stars under his leadershipKenya’s journey to the prestigious global tournament started with mixed fortunes, losing 2-1 to Gabon before defeating Seychelles 5-0 in Ivory Coast. These performances placed the team managed by Engin Firat in third place with three points, while African Champions Ivory Coast and Gabon lead the standings with six points each. With the World Cup format changing to accommodate 48 teams from the next edition, nine group winners from the qualifiers will directly qualify for the global showpiece, while the four best runners-up will enter the playoff round to compete for a chance to qualify for the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.
