2026 World Cup Qualifying: Coach McKinstry names Gambia squad with work to do in Group F

The Gambia have ground to make up in Group F of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying and head coach Johnathan McKinstry will be leaning on stars Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow. The attackers were among the names listed in the Norther Irish gaffer’s squad selection announced on Thursday for matches against Kenya and Ivory Coast.

The Scorpions need maximum points from their matches in the March international window. After a nightmare start that included defeats to Burundi as well as Gabon, it is difficult to see The Gambia finding a way back into contention for qualification to the World Cup finals unless they can obtain six points in March.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group F table (4 matches played)

The Scorpions will travel to Ivory Coast for both of their March fixtures that will see the Scorpions face group leaders Ivory Coast on March 24 in Abidjan, four days after Gambia hosts Kenya in the same city due to lacking a home venue approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Minteh and Barrow headline a strong attack along with with in form Turkish-based striker Ali Sowe who has 14 goals in 26 appearances for Rizespor. McKinstry has choices to make in his central midfield where Abubakar Barry (Austria Vienna), Ebou Adams (Derby County, England) and rising 20-year-old talent Mahmudu Bajo (Dunajská Streda, Slovakia) are all enjoying productive seasons in European club football.

Captain Omar Colley will lead the team despite a difficult 2024-25 season with Greek club PAOK, where he has only made thirteen appearances in all competitions due to injuries and lack of form. Colley’s experience and leadership will be needed in a group that has conceded 9 goals in 4 matches with only group minnows Seychelles conceding more.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Ibrima Jarju (Paide Linnameeskond, Estonia), Sheikh Sibi (Virtus Verona, Italy), Musa Dibaga (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Scotland)

Defenders

Omar Colley (PAOK, Greece), Omar Gaye (Francavilla, Italy), Joseph Ceesay (Cesena, Italy), Dadi Gaye (Bryne, Norway), Momodou Lion Njie (KFUM Oslo, Norway), Sheriff Sinyan (CFR Cluj, Romania)

Midfield

Saikou Touray (Grenoble, France), Ebou Adams (Derby County, England), Abubakar Barry (Austria Vienna, Austria), Alasana Manneh (Hibernian, Scotland), Mahmudu Bajo (Dunajská Streda, Slovakia), Ebrima Darboe (Frosinone, Italy), Ablie Jallow (Metz, France)

Forwards

Musa Barrow (Al Taawoun, Saudi Arabia), Alieu Fadera (Como, Italy), Gibril Sillah (Azam FC, Tanzania), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton, England), Abdoulie Sanyang (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Ali Sowe (Rizespor, Turkey), Abdoulie Ceesay (St. Pauli, Germany), Alassana Jatta (Notts County, England)