By Eddah Waithaka
Kenya secures right to host global football event for first time, welcoming India, Australia, and Malawi in April 2026
Kenya will host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series matches in April, marking the first time the country has ever staged a FIFA global football event, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced Tuesday.
The tournament brings India, Australia, and Malawi to Nyayo National Stadium for matches scheduled on April 11 and April 15, 2026.“Kenya stands ready to receive you and to showcase not only our sporting excellence, but also the warmth, diversity, and hospitality that defines the Origin of Wonder,” Mvurya said.
The selection reaffirms Kenya’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination, he added, citing the country’s track record hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN), HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Magical Kenya Open, and the WRC Safari Rally.
Starlets to Compete on Home Soil
The Harambee Starlets, Kenya’s women’s national team, will carry the nation’s hopes in the tournament. Meanwhile, the men’s Harambee Stars have departed for Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the FIFA Series Men’s matches.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed hailed the selection as a historic milestone.“This is the first time that the series has been hosted by a group of women, and we are happy to be part of this initiative,” Mohammed said.
“For me as a president of the federation, I want to give a special thank you to the government for its continuous support.”
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Mohammed noted the federation has secured three slots in FIFA competitions, a first for the FKF.
Infrastructure Push Ahead of AFCON 2027
The government has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, including the Raila Odinga International Stadium at the Talanta Sports Complex and ongoing modernization of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums to meet FIFA standards, Mvurya said.
The tournament also serves as a critical test event ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness as we build towards delivering a successful AFCON,” Mvurya said.
Governance Reforms Underway
Mvurya credited deliberate government policy, sustained investment, and institutional reforms including the Sports Bill 2026 and a new Stadium Management Framework, for restoring confidence in Kenya’s hosting capabilities.
“The confidence that FIFA has placed in Kenya is a direct outcome of these reforms and the collective efforts to elevate the game,” he said.
Mohammed echoed the sentiment, acknowledging past challenges while emphasizing ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Sports.
“Ever since we were involved in the Talanta project before, we have worked hand in hand with the Government of Kenya to ensure that we increase football, not only for the grassroots, but also to support our national teams to the best of our ability,” Mohammed said.
He called on Kenyans to fill Nyayo National Stadium during the matches. “Let us fill Nyayo National Stadium, rally behind our teams, and show the world the true spirit of Kenya, our unity, our passion, and our unmatched hospitality,” Mvurya said.
Kenya joins 48 national teams participating in the FIFA International Friendly Series overall, an initiative designed to provide international exposure and strengthen football ecosystems worldwide.
