From playing FIFA games in cybers to global stage: Kenya sets eye on 2026 World Cup
By Joel Masibo, February 27, 2026Kenya is gearing up for a major venture into global football esports as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) partners with the Esports Kenya Federation (ESKF) to facilitate the country’s involvement in the FIFAe World Cup 2026 qualification journey.
FIFAe has released crucial information ahead of the 2026 season, paving the way for nations, including Kenya, to embark on the route toward booking a place at the prestigious FIFAe World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the world’s leading football esports teams will compete under FIFA’s official digital gaming platform.
FKF and ESKF join forces
Through a strategic alliance, FKF and ESKF will combine resources to enhance Kenya’s readiness and participation in the qualification campaign. FKF will offer logistical backing to ensure smooth preparation, coordination, and engagement in the FIFAe Nations League and subsequent qualifying rounds.
“This collaboration is a huge boost to Kenyan esports. Football video games are the most played esports games, and it’s only natural that we nurture this love for football both on the actual pitch and on the virtual pitch. With esports, we can keep the relevance of football, especially among the upcoming generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, at a time when their attention is being contested for by a wide array of entertainment and media,” Ronny Lusigi, President of the Esports Kenya Federation, said in a statement released on Friday, February 27, 2026.
This partnership highlights a shared commitment to elevate Kenya’s profile in international football esports while leveraging technology to inspire and engage young audiences.
Team selection
The national selection process will officially kick off on Sunday, March 15, 2026, marking Kenya’s second attempt at navigating the FIFAe World Cup qualification pathway.
ESKF will oversee the identification of players through:
Official national selection competitions
A clearly defined domestic esports ranking system
This organised framework is designed to promote fairness, competitiveness, and the discovery of elite Kenyan esports players across the three competitive titles. Kenya previously took part in the 2022 qualifiers but exited in the opening round. The upcoming campaign offers a fresh chance to improve on that performance and leave a stronger mark on the continental stage.
Pathway to Riyadh: Qualification structure
Kenya’s journey begins in the newly introduced FIFAe Nations League, where participating countries will compete within regional groupings.
Each game title will involve three competitive stages:
eFootball Console (2v2)
Week 1: April 14–16, 2026
Week 2: May 12–14, 2026
Week 3: June 30–July 2, 2026
eFootball Mobile (2v2)
Week 1: May 5–7, 2026
Week 2: June 8–10, 2026
Week 3: July 7–9, 2026
Rocket League (3v3)
Week 1: April 28–30, 2026
Week 2: June 2–4, 2026
Week 3: July 14–16, 2026
Following the conclusion of the third round, teams with the highest cumulative points will qualify for the Continental Championships, set for August and September 2026.
Africa will be allocated just two qualification places per category for the FIFAe World Cup 2026, significantly intensifying competition among participating countries.
With the selection phase approaching, Kenya’s esports fraternity is now focused on assembling a competitive squad capable of matching the continent’s strongest teams. As preparations gather pace, the ambition of representing Kenya on the global FIFAe stage is edging closer to reality, signalling an exciting new chapter for local esports talent.