Following FIFA's January announcement, the Rwanda-hosted groups of the expanded FIFA Series 2026 have begun in Kigali, featuring eight lower-ranked national teams from Africa, Europe, North and Central America, and Asia competing at Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium. The event provides rare international matchups during this international break.
The FIFA Series 2026 Rwanda tournaments kicked off over the March 23-31 international break, pitting eight teams across two groups at Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium in Kigali.
Group A includes host Rwanda, Kenya, Estonia, and Grenada. Group B features Tanzania, Aruba, Liechtenstein, and Macau. These lower-ranked nations gain valuable experience against distant opponents.
Launched by FIFA in 2024 with six mini-tournaments, the 2026 edition expands men's competition to nine groups (36 teams) plus three women's groups, held across multiple hosts to boost grassroots development.
Rwanda's rising football stature—bolstered by past Arsenal FC sponsorship and recent top Sudanese club visits—is highlighted by hosting these events, aiming to elevate league quality and attendance.
Other African teams are active in parallel FIFA Series: Cameroon in Australia, Gabon in Uzbekistan, Comoros and Namibia in Kazakhstan, and Sierra Leone in Azerbaijan. Separately, Botswana hosts a four-nation invitational with Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
