Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has opened up on what he wants to achieve from the 2026 FIFA Series.

Harambee Stars is among the nations that will participate in the Series organised by FIFA scheduled to run during the international break in March in Kigali, Rwanda.

We are drawn in CAF group A with Estonia, Grenada and Rwanda for the FIFA Series International Friendlies in Kigali

🏆 International Friendlies
🗓 March 23-31, 2026
📌 Kigali, Rwanda

Read more 👉 https://t.co/fFLjfFYSf5 pic.twitter.com/AmwsJFZ2cO

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) January 19, 2026

Kenya will open their campaign against Estonia on 27th March at Amahoro Stadium. Harambee Stars’ second match in the mini-tournament will depend on the outcome of the other opening fixture between Rwanda and Grenada.

Speaking after Kenya was confirmed to face Estonia, coach McCarthy revealed his happiness to play in such competitions insisting they will give him the perfect time to keep checking on his players as Kenya prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

McCarthy says Series will help strengthen Kenya

“The FIFA Series gives our team a chance to compete against opponents from different continents in conditions that closely resemble what we will face at major tournaments,” McCarthy told The Star as quoted by Flashscore.

“It is exactly the type of exposure our players need as we continue to grow and improve.”

He added: “These tournaments are not just about what happens during the 90 minutes. Competing against teams with different styles, strengths and football cultures challenges us to adapt and respond in ways we don’t see in domestic competition.”

The FIFA Series comes at a crucial time when Harambee Stars are preparing for the 2027 AFCON in East Africa.”

Under the tournament format, the winner of Match 1 will face the winner of Match 2, while the loser of Match 1 will play the loser of Match 2.

“We are focused on building Harambee Stars in a way that allows us to measure progress and identify areas for improvement,” explained

McCarthy. “Every match is an opportunity to test our tactics, integrate new players and strengthen our squad for the challenges ahead.

“We are finalising our selections, but the focus is clear: we want a balanced team capable of learning, testing tactical plans and gaining invaluable international experience.”

Kenya to use Series to gain valuable experience

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will host the 36th edition of the African football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from June 19 to July 18.

“We look forward to using this platform to test ourselves, gain valuable experience and continue building the team in the right direction. Our goal is to ensure Harambee Stars are competitive when it matters most,” the South African legend concluded.

The FIFA Series presents a unique opportunity for Harambee Stars to test themselves against opponents from different confederations, offering meaningful international exposure as the team continues to build cohesion and competitive sharpness.

It is designed to give national teams structured competitive friendlies. For Harambee Stars, this comes at a crucial time as the team continues preparations for the upcoming 2027 AFCON.

Benni McCarthy Targets Progress at FIFA Series 2026 with Harambee Stars

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has outlined his ambitions ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, describing the tournament as a vital platform for growth and tactical development.

Harambee Stars are among the national teams selected to participate in the March international window event scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda. The mini-tournament offers structured international friendlies designed to provide meaningful competitive exposure.

Kenya has been drawn in CAF Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada and hosts Rwanda. The matches will be played between March 23 and March 31 at the Amahoro Stadium.

FIFA Series 2026 Offers Crucial Preparation for AFCON 2027

McCarthy believes the FIFA Series 2026 arrives at a perfect moment as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya will open their campaign against Estonia on March 27. Their second fixture will depend on the outcome of the other opening match between Rwanda and Grenada, following the tournament’s knockout-style format.

Under the structure, winners of the first two matches will meet in the final, while the losing teams will play each other in a placement fixture.

Speaking after the draw was confirmed, McCarthy expressed excitement about facing teams from different continents.

“The FIFA Series gives our team a chance to compete against opponents from different continents in conditions that closely resemble what we will face at major tournaments,” he said.

“It is exactly the type of exposure our players need as we continue to grow and improve.”

Exposure to Different Playing Styles

According to the South African tactician, the competition is about more than just results. He emphasized that exposure to diverse tactical approaches is essential for Kenya’s long-term development.

“These tournaments are not just about what happens during the 90 minutes. Competing against teams with different styles, strengths and football cultures challenges us to adapt and respond in ways we don’t see in domestic competition,” he explained.

Facing European side Estonia and Caribbean representatives Grenada will test Harambee Stars in unique ways. Such variety provides invaluable experience, particularly as Kenya builds toward continental competition on home soil in 2027.

Building a Competitive Squad

McCarthy revealed that squad selection is being finalized with a clear focus on balance and tactical flexibility.

“We are focused on building Harambee Stars in a way that allows us to measure progress and identify areas for improvement,” he noted.

“Every match is an opportunity to test our tactics, integrate new players and strengthen our squad for the challenges ahead.”

The FIFA initiative is structured to give national teams competitive friendlies that simulate tournament intensity. For Kenya, this represents a stepping stone toward becoming more competitive at continental level.