Kenya Chosen to Host 2026 FIFA Women’s Series Matches
Kenya has achieved a major milestone in sports after being selected to host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series matches. This marks a historic moment for the country, as it will be the first time Kenya stages a global football event organized by FIFA on home soil.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya. He described the decision as a strong endorsement of Kenya’s growing reputation as a reliable host for major international sporting events.
According to Mvurya, the selection reflects global confidence in the country’s ability to plan, organize, and successfully deliver high-quality tournaments that meet international standards.
The FIFA Women’s Series matches are scheduled to take place between April 11 and April 15, 2026, at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium. During this period, Kenya’s national women’s football team, the Harambee Starlets, will have the advantage of playing on home ground.
This will give local fans a rare and exciting opportunity to watch their national team compete in a FIFA-organized tournament without having to travel abroad.
In addition to hosting the women’s matches, Kenya will also take part in the broader FIFA International Friendly Series. This global competition is expected to bring together more than 40 countries, further placing Kenya on the international football map and offering valuable exposure to its players.
CS Mvurya also took the opportunity to warmly welcome all participating teams and the international football community.
Countries such as India, Australia, and Malawi are among those expected to take part. He assured them that Kenya is fully prepared, not only at the government level but also as a nation, to host an event of this magnitude and ensure a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
While the Harambee Starlets gear up to compete on home soil, Kenya’s men’s national team, the Harambee Stars, has already traveled to Kigali in Rwanda. The team is set to participate in the FIFA Series men’s matches scheduled to run from March 25 to March 31, 2026, as part of the same international football program.
Kenya’s successful bid to host the tournament has been largely influenced by its strong track record in organizing major sporting events.
Over the years, the country has hosted globally recognized competitions such as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the WRC Safari Rally, the Magical Kenya Open, and the African Nations Championship. These events have helped build Kenya’s reputation as a capable and dependable host.
At the same time, the government continues to invest heavily in upgrading sports infrastructure across the country.
Key projects include the construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, as well as the ongoing modernization of both Nyayo and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani to meet FIFA standards.
These developments are part of a broader plan to position Kenya as a regional hub for international sports.
Mvurya further explained that hosting the FIFA Women’s Series will play a crucial role in Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
Kenya is set to co-host the prestigious tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with the competition scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
He emphasized that the FIFA event will serve as an important test run, allowing the country to assess its infrastructure, operational systems, and overall readiness ahead of AFCON.
According to him, this is a valuable opportunity for Kenya to fine-tune its preparations and ensure it delivers a successful and memorable continental tournament.
Overall, Kenya’s selection to host the FIFA Women’s Series is not only a proud moment for the nation but also a significant step forward in strengthening its position in global football.
It highlights the country’s progress in sports development and signals even bigger opportunities ahead on the international stage.
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