Kenya will host the 2026 FIFA Women's Series matches at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from April 11 to 15. Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya announced the selection as a strong vote of confidence in the country's hosting credentials. The event acts as a litmus test for the 2027 AFCON preparations.
Kenya has secured the rights to host the 2026 FIFA Women's Series matches, the first such global FIFA football event on its soil. The announcement came on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya. He described the selection as “a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s proven hosting capability. It affirms what the world and our continent have consistently witnessed Kenya’s ability to successfully plan, organise, and deliver world-class sporting events.” The matches are scheduled for April 11 to 15 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the national women's team, Harambee Starlets, will compete on home turf. Kenya has also been picked for the FIFA International Friendly Series involving more than 40 countries. Mvurya welcomed the participants, including India, Australia, and Malawi: “On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the participating nations, India, Australia, and Malawi, as well as officials, fans, and the global football community.” Meanwhile, the men's team, Harambee Stars, has left for Kigali, Rwanda, for the men's FIFA Series from March 25 to 31. The decision highlights Kenya's track record with events like the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, WRC Safari Rally, Magical Kenya Open, and African Nations Championship. The government is upgrading facilities, including the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports Complex and modernising Kasarani and Nyayo to FIFA standards. Mvurya noted the event's role in AFCON 2027 preparations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 18: “As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027... This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness.”
