Harambee Starlets Poised for Glory as Kenya Secures Hosting Rights for Major FIFA Tournament

Kenya has been selected to host a group in the upcoming FIFA Series this April, marking a significant milestone for the country and the tournament itself.

This edition will be the first to feature women's national teams since the competition's inception. In a statement released on Tuesday, March 24, FIFA confirmed that Kenya will stage one of the four women's groups from April 9 to 18.

The inclusion of women's football is the most notable development for the 2026 FIFA Series calendar. The series of friendly matches will be held at Nyayo National Stadium, bringing together the host nation's Harambee Starlets, Malawi, Australia, and India.

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The action kicks off on Saturday, April 11, with Australia, representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), facing Malawi.

Later that day, the Harambee Starlets will face India. Following the opening matches, the third-place playoff and the final are scheduled for Wednesday, April 15.

This will be Kenya's first time hosting the FIFA Series, a biennial invitational event that promotes global football development by pitting established international sides against emerging nations.

The tournament was launched in 2022, with the inaugural edition in 2024 exclusively featuring men's teams. By hosting one of the first-ever women's groups, Kenya secures its place in the tournament's history. The other three women's groups are set to take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand.

CS Mvurya expressed immense pride in the selection, noting that it reflects the world's growing trust in Kenya's infrastructure and organisational capacity.

"I am pleased to announce that Kenya has once again been selected to host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series Matches, marking a historic milestone as our country hosts a FIFA global football event for the very first time. 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," he said.

The CS emphasised that the country is prepared to deliver an experience that goes beyond the pitch.

"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," he added.

The decision by FIFA is seen as a validation of Kenya's recent successes in hosting high-pressure international events across various disciplines, from rugby to motorsports.

The FIFA Series is designed to provide international exposure to teams that may not regularly face off. For Harambee Starlets, playing on home soil provides a unique advantage and a chance to elevate women's football nationally.

"The upcoming matches... will provide an important platform to showcase emerging talent, particularly in women’s football, and to further elevate Kenya’s standing in the global football landscape. Additionally, Kenya has been selected among 48 national teams to participate in the FIFA International Friendly Series. This participation will strengthen our football ecosystem by providing valuable international exposure, enhancing competitiveness, and building capacity both on and off the pitch," the CS added.

Meanwhile, the men's fixtures are scheduled from March 25 to March 31 across several nations, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Rwanda. Kenya's men's team, the Harambee Stars, will compete in Rwanda alongside the hosts, Estonia, and Grenada.