Kenya will host Australia, India and Malawi for Group 4 of the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series, with the international friendlies set to run from April 11 to 15 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The four-nation mini tournament forms part of the inaugural edition of the global series, which brings together 48 women’s national teams across different host nations.

The action in Nairobi will begin on April 11, with Australia taking on Malawi in the opening fixture at 2pm before the Harambee Starlets face India later in the evening at 6pm. The competition format will see winners from both matches advance to the final scheduled for April 15 at 6pm, while the losing sides will meet earlier that day in a third-place playoff at 2pm.

Kenya’s selection as a host marks a significant milestone, as FIFA selected the country to stage matches in the Women’s Series, making it the first time Kenya is hosting a FIFA global women’s event. Other groups in the series will be staged in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand, underlining the tournament’s global reach and developmental focus.

Speaking to the media during the unveiling and announcement of the host rights, the Cabinet Secretary said, “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. On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to India, Australia and Malawi, as well as officials, fans and the global football community.”

He added, “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, our ability to successfully plan, organize and deliver world-class sporting events.”

Highlighting the broader impact, he noted, “The upcoming matches will provide an important platform to showcase emerging talent, particularly in women’s football, and to further elevate Kenya’s standing in the global football landscape.”

On development and exposure, the CS stated, “Kenya has been selected among 48 national teams to participate in the FIFA International Friendly Series. This participation will strengthen our football ecosystem by providing valuable international exposure, enhancing competitiveness and building capacity both on and off the pitch.”

He also linked the event to long-term ambitions, saying, “As we host this FIFA tournament, we are taking a significant step forward in our preparations for Africa Cup of Nations 2027. This provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems and operational readiness.”

FKF President Hussein Mohammed, also welcomed the development, noting its significance for the growth of the game in the country. “Hosting this tournament is a big step for Kenya’s football. It not only gives our national team valuable international exposure but also strengthens our capacity to organize and deliver competitions at the highest level. We thank the Government for their support and collaboration in making this possible.”

The government noted that ongoing infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms and partnerships with the private sector remain central to positioning Kenya as a leading destination for international sport. Meanwhile, as the women’s team prepares to compete on home soil, the men’s side, Harambee Stars, has already travelled to Kigali for their respective fixtures in the men’s series.

With the spotlight now turning to Nairobi, attention will be on the Harambee Starlets to rise to the occasion and make home advantage count as Kenya steps onto the global stage in women’s football.