NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has secured a spot on the global football calendar after being selected to host matches in the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series, marking the country’s first time staging a FIFA global football event.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the selection reflects Kenya’s progress in sports infrastructure, governance reforms, and institutional strengthening.
“Kenya has been selected to host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series Matches, marking a historic milestone as our country prepares to host a FIFA global football event for the very first time,” Mvurya said in a statement issued Tuesday, March 24.
He added that continued investment in facilities and governance frameworks had enhanced Kenya’s credibility in organizing international tournaments.
“Kenya’s growing stature, underpinned by our continued investment in sports infrastructure and strengthened governance frameworks, has affirmed Kenya’s proven capability to successfully organize and deliver world-class sporting events,” the statement read.
Kenya will not only host but also participate in the competition. The national women’s team, the Harambee Starlets, will face India, Australia, and Malawi in matches scheduled for April 11 and 13, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
“In addition, Kenya has been selected among 48 national teams to participate in the FIFA International Friendly Series,” Mvurya added.
Meanwhile, the men’s national team, the Harambee Stars, has already departed for Kigali, Rwanda, to begin its campaign in the international friendly series. Kenya will face Estonia in the opening match on March 27 before taking on either Grenada or Rwanda in the final fixture on March 30.
Mvurya said the matches will help both teams build cohesion, improve match fitness and prepare for upcoming continental competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.
“I am confident that our National Teams will rise to the occasion and make Kenya proud. These matches will be critical in sharpening the teams’ cohesion, building match fitness, and preparing for upcoming continental assignments and AFCON 2027,” he said.
The CS also urged fans to attend the home fixtures in large numbers, noting that strong local support would help showcase Kenya’s hospitality and football culture.
The development comes months after the Football Kenya Federation confirmed that FIFA lifted financial sanctions that had suspended development funding under the FIFA Forward Programme.
The decision followed a positive review by FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee after assessing reforms within the federation.
FIFA said improved financial management and governance measures informed the decision to resume funding, although FKF will remain under a monthly reporting framework until at least March 2026.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed welcomed the move, describing it as a major milestone in restoring confidence in Kenyan football.
“This decision by FIFA is a strong vote of confidence in the direction we are taking as a Federation. Step by step, we are fixing Kenyan football by strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring credibility at all levels,” he said.