Burundi has confirmed that their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Harambee Stars will take place at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi on June 3rd.
Due to a lack of FIFA-approved stadiums in Kenya, Harambee Stars will host their FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Burundi in Lilongwe, Malawi, on June 7th, 2024, as announced by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
This unconventional arrangement stems from Kenya’s ongoing renovations of its major sports facilities, such as the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, in preparation for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania. The 60,000-seater Kasarani stadium is slated for completion by December, while Nyayo Stadium is undergoing preparations for the African Nations Championship in September.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba reiterated the government’s proactive approach, stating ongoing consultations with CAF and FIFA regarding venues for Harambee Stars’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Cote d’Ivoire.
The Government of Kenya, through our Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars’ next World Cup qualifiers games scheduled for June 3 and June 11, 2024, against Burundi and Cote d’Ivoire
Burundi shared the news through their national team’s social media platforms, emphasizing the collaborative effort between neighboring nations.
https://x.com/intambazacu/status/1790331952119071198
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of taking cues from Rwanda and Uganda, countries that have successfully closed and renovated their primary stadiums to meet international standards.
We are rectifying years of neglect and lax management of Kenya’s sports facilities. This marks a significant shift in approach,” he stated.
Uganda embarked on the renovation of the Nelson Mandela Namboole Stadium in 2020, completing it this month after four years of investment. Similarly, Rwanda began rebuilding the Amahoro Stadium in 2019, and the tangible results are evident after five years,” the former Budalangi Member of Parliament elaborated.
Malawi’s selection as the host not only underscores the close ties within the East African region but also highlights Malawi’s capability to accommodate significant international fixtures.
This situation presents a challenge for the Harambee Stars, as they will lack crucial home support in their bid for their first World Cup appearance. In their previous qualifiers last November, Kenya rebounded from a 2-1 loss to Gabon with a convincing 5-0 victory over Seychelles.
In the current standings, Cote d’Ivoire and Gabon lead the group with six points each, followed by Kenya and Burundi with three points each. The nine group winners will secure direct qualification for the World Cup, while the top four runners-up will enter a playoff round for a chance at the inter-confederation playoffs.
The venue for Kenya’s match against the reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire on June 10th is yet to be announced, adding to the anticipation and strategic planning required by the FKF and the Kenyan government.
