FIFA Series: Olunga left out as Benni McCarthy unveils Kenya squad

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has named the final 23-man Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, while confirming a number of changes.

The FIFA Series will take place from March 27, and Kenya have been drawn to face Estonia at the Amahoro Stadium. Harambee Stars’ second match in the mini-tournament will depend on the outcome of the other opening fixture between Rwanda and Grenada.

HARAMBE STARS are in town ahead of FIFA Series friendlies.

Ikipe y’Igihugu ya Kenya yageze i Kigali aho yitabiriye imikino ya FIFA Series izatangira ku wa 27/03.

Gura itike yawe ntuzacikwe, uzanabashe gutsindira ibihembo bitandukanye.#FIFAseries2026#RwandaIsReady pic.twitter.com/skvOgTLdVx

— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) March 24, 2026

The adjustments cams after several players were ruled out due to injuries and unavailability, prompting the technical bench to settle on a revised travelling squad.

Olunga to miss FIFA Series

In a statement, FKF said: “The following players will miss out on the FIFA Series due to injuries: Byrne Omondi, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Collins Sichenje, Tyler Onyango, Andre Gitau, Adam Wilson, Jonah Ayunga, Michael Olunga.”

The statement added: “Additionally, the following players are unavailable for selection during this international window: Daniel Anyembe, Zak Vyner.”

The team has already arrived in Rwanda for the Series. The 2026 FIFA Series will be the second edition of the FIFA Series, an invitational Association football tournament promoted by FIFA that features friendly matches between national teams from different continental confederations.

Your #HarambeeStars squad for the FIFA Series in Rwanda

Read more 👉 https://t.co/aMvS0aKaQr pic.twitter.com/odTZQrY2KD

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 13, 2026

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.

The FIFA Series presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to test themselves against opponents from different confederations.

The FIFA Series was approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022 and is fully aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-27.

The 2026 edition of this initiative will feature 48 national teams – representing almost a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – competing in 12 groups of four teams each.

Kenya fixtures in Rwanda

Kenya vs Estonia (March 27 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium)
Winner M1 vs Winner M2 (March 30 | 9PM | Amahoro Stadium)
Loser M1 vs Loser M2 (March 30 | 6PM | Amahoro Stadium)

Final 23-man Kenya squad for FIFA Series

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno.

Defenders: Manzur Okwaro, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari.

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Austine Odhiambo, Will Lenkupae, Mohammed Bajaber.

Forwards: Job Ochieng, Zech Obiero, Clarke Oduor, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth, Ben Stanley.