Kenya to host historic 2026 FIFA Women’s Series matches
By Joel Masibo, March 24, 2026Kenya has achieved a major milestone on the global sporting stage after being selected to host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series, marking the country’s first time staging a FIFA global football event.
In a statement issued by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the government welcomed participating nations India, Australia, and Malawi, expressing confidence in Kenya’s readiness to deliver a successful tournament.
The matches are scheduled to take place on April 11 and April 15, 2026, at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium. According to Mvurya, hosting the tournament represents a strong endorsement of Kenya’s proven ability to organise international sporting events.
“This selection is a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s proven hosting capability. It affirms what the world and our continent have consistently witnessed: Kenya’s ability to successfully plan, organise and deliver world-class sporting events,” the Cabinet Secretary stated, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated its readiness through successful staging of major competitions such as the African Nations Championship, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the Magical Kenya Open, and the Safari Rally.
Boost for women’s football
The upcoming fixtures are expected to provide a vital platform for the national women’s team, the Harambee Starlets, to showcase their talent on home soil. Mvurya expressed confidence that the Starlets will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.
”Our women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, will proudly carry the nation’s hopes as they compete at home in the FIFA Series Women’s matches, and I am confident that they will do the occasion and make Kenya proud,” Mvurya added.
At the same time, the men’s national team, the Harambee Stars, is set to participate in FIFA Series matches in Rwanda. Kenya is listed among 48 national teams worldwide selected to participate in the tourney, a development expected to enhance international exposure for Kenyan players and strengthen the country’s football ecosystem.
Talent development
Mvurya has highlighted ongoing government efforts to modernise sports infrastructure across the country. These include the development of the Raila Odinga International Stadium and upgrades to major venues to meet international standards.
He has emphasised that investments are not limited to facilities alone but also extend to talent development systems, including sports academies, grassroots competitions, and school-based programs designed to identify and nurture young talent across the country.
Additionally, the government has strengthened partnerships with the private sector to unlock funding opportunities and expand the sports economy. Legislative reforms, including the proposed Sports Bill 2026 and the Stadium Management Framework, were cited as key steps toward improving governance and attracting international partnerships.
Preparing for AFCON 2027
Hosting the FIFA Women’s Series is also seen as a key step in Kenya’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. The tournament will allow authorities to test infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.
Mvurya has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of AFCON 2027, noting that collaboration with the National Treasury and the National Assembly is ongoing to address financial requirements through supplementary budgeting.
”As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (FCON 2027). The Ministry is working very closely with the National Treasury and National Assembly to address pending financial requirements through the supplementary budget process, ensuring that we remain firmly on course in our preparations,” the CS said.
Salim Mvurya has commended the Football Kenya Federation for its efforts in strengthening governance and restoring credibility in the sport. The Cabinet Secretary has also urged Kenyans to rally behind the national teams and support the country’s hosting ambitions.