Benni McCarthy relishes FIFA Series test as Kenya step up AFCON 2027 preparations

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed enthusiasm ahead of the 2026 FIFA Series, viewing the tournament as a critical opportunity for the Harambee Stars to sharpen their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The event, scheduled to kick off on March 27 in Kigali, Rwanda, will see Kenya face Estonia at the Amahoro Stadium, with their second opponent determined by the outcome of the opening match between hosts Rwanda and Grenada.

The FIFA Series, now in its second edition, is an invitational tournament organized by FIFA to pit national teams from different continents against one another in friendly competition.

For McCarthy, the event represents more than just matches – it is a platform to assess players, test tactical setups, and expose the squad to diverse playing styles and football cultures.

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

The format ensures that every team will play two matches, with winners and losers of the opening fixtures facing corresponding opponents. McCarthy emphasized the value of this structure, noting that competing against teams with varying styles and strengths challenges his squad in ways domestic competition cannot.

“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,” he added.

The timing of the Series is particularly significant, as Harambee Stars gear up for the 36th AFCON, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will jointly host from June 19 to July 18, 2027. It will mark the first AFCON held across three nations and the first in the CECAFA region in over 50 years.

McCarthy outlined his priorities: “Every match is an opportunity to test our tactics, integrate new players and strengthen our squad for the challenges ahead. Our goal is to ensure Harambee Stars are competitive when it matters most.”

The 2026 FIFA Series will feature 48 national teams across 12 groups, staged in eight countries after Mauritius withdrew, with Rwanda hosting two series.

Approved by the FIFA Council in 2022, the tournament aligns with FIFA’s strategic vision for global football development. McCarthy concluded: “We want to make sure every opportunity is maximised and the players come away from these matches better prepared for 2027 AFCON and beyond.”