Harambee Starlets set to face India at Nyayo Stadium as Kenya steps up as a global football host nation
Kenya's football calendar just got a whole lot more exciting. FIFA has officially confirmed that Kenya will host one of the groups in the 2026 FIFA Series women's tournament, making the country one of just four venues selected for what promises to be a landmark international event. It is a massive moment for football in East Africa — and for the Harambee Starlets in particular.
According to the updated schedule released by FIFA, Australia, India, and Malawi will join Kenya as participants in the Nairobi group. Every match will be played at the 18,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium, which has undergone significant renovation works in recent years. The fixtures are set to kick off on April 11, with Australia facing Malawi in the opening match before Kenya take on India in what promises to be a thrilling encounter for local fans.
The news has been met with enormous excitement across the country. For many young Kenyan girls who dream of representing their nation on the football pitch, watching world-class international women's teams compete on home soil is an opportunity that could change everything. The power of seeing elite athletes perform in your own backyard cannot be overstated.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has also been busy on the men's side, making headlines this week after clarifying the national team's plans to lure foreign-born players of Kenyan descent ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Returning forward Mohammed Bajaber has also opened up about his comeback to the national setup and his ambitions for the team under McCarthy's leadership.
For Kenya football fans, March and April 2026 are shaping up to be months to remember. From the Safari Rally to international football at Nyayo, the country is firmly on the global sporting map. Make sure you grab your tickets early — history is about to be made.