Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya/HANDOUT
Kenya has been selected to host the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series matches, marking what Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya described as a historic first for the country.
In a statement issued on March 24, 2026, Mvurya said the tournament will be the first time Kenya hosts a FIFA global football event.
“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,” he said.
The matches will feature India, Australia and Malawi, with Kenya welcoming players, officials and fans from across the world.
Mvurya said the country is ready to deliver a memorable experience.
“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 said.
The matches are scheduled for April 11 and April 15, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
According to Mvurya, the event will provide a platform to showcase emerging talent in women’s football while boosting Kenya’s global football profile.
He said the selection reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s ability to host major sporting events.
“This selection is a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s proven hosting capability,” Mvurya said, adding that the country has consistently demonstrated its ability to organise world-class competitions.
Mvurya cited several events hosted in Kenya, including the African Nations Championship, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the Magical Kenya Open, the Kip Keino Classics and the WRC Safari Rally, as evidence of the country’s experience.
Kenya has also been selected among 48 national teams to participate in the FIFA International Friendly Series.
Mvurya said this will strengthen the country’s football ecosystem by providing international exposure and improving competitiveness.
The Harambee Starlets are expected to lead the country’s charge in the women’s matches. “Our women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, will proudly carry the nation’s hopes as they compete at home,” he said.
At the same time, the Harambee Stars have travelled to Kigali, Rwanda, for the men’s FIFA Series matches.
Mvurya said the assignment will help improve performance, build team cohesion and prepare the squad for future competitions.
He called on Kenyans to support the national teams. “Let us continue to uplift our players, inspire confidence, and demonstrate to the world the strength of Kenya’s football spirit,” he said.
Mvurya attributed the milestone to government efforts to transform the sports sector.
“This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate Government policy, sustained investment, and institutional reforms aimed at transforming the sports sector,” he said.
He said the government is investing in modern infrastructure, including the Raila Odinga International Stadium at the Talanta Sports Complex, and upgrading Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums to meet FIFA standards.
The CS also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen talent development through academies, grassroots competitions and school programmes.
He added that Kenya is using the tournament to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. “This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness,” Mvurya said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a successful AFCON 2027 and urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the Harambee Starlets during the upcoming matches.
