Spotlight on Africa: Kenya to host Women's Group in FIFA Series 2026

The FIFA Series 2026 has unveiled a revised schedule to accommodate the addition of a fourth women's group and the inclusion of Kenya as a new Host Member Association (MA). The revision was also prompted by unforeseen adjustments to the men's fixtures.

Following the success of its pilot edition in 2024, the FIFA Series 2026 will bring together 50 men's and women's national teams across 13 groups in 12 host nations spanning all six continents. A total of 53 matches, to be played from March 25 to 31 for the men and April 9 to 18 for the women, will provide teams a rare opportunity to compete under FIFA's global spotlight.

Kenya joins as a Women's tournament host

The most notable change is the creation of a fourth women's group in Kenya. Matches at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium will see the host, Harambee Starlets, face India, while Australia takes on Malawi on April 11.

The other three women's groups will remain in Brazil, the host of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, as well as Côte d'Ivoire and Thailand.

On the men's side, logistical developments led to schedule revisions in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan following the withdrawals of Kuwait and Oman. In Azerbaijan, the hosts will play St Lucia on March 27, then face Africa's Sierra Leone on March 30. In Kazakhstan, the host will compete in a triangular tournament with African nations Comoros and Namibia on March 25, 28, and 31. Fixtures in Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda (which is hosting two men's groups), and Uzbekistan remain unchanged.

A global festival with an African spotlight

The FIFA Series 2026 emphasizes inclusive competition, featuring established footballing nations alongside emerging teams. African representation is particularly strong, with Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Comoros, and Namibia all hosting or competing, underscoring FIFA's commitment to developing football across the continent.

Five men's teams—Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan—have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting the high competitive standard of the Series.

Endorsed by the FIFA Council in December 2022, the FIFA Series also strengthens operational and developmental capacities for participating MAs. Hosts and teams gain hands-on experience in event delivery, referee development, and competition management, mirroring conditions of major international tournaments.

All FIFA Series 2026 matches will be broadcast globally, enhancing visibility for emerging football nations and giving fans worldwide access to the action. Kenya's hosting of a women's group marks a milestone, placing the country and Africa at the center of global football attention.