European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam have confirmed they will meet on January 5, 2027, in a friendly that will officially inaugurate the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi.

The two clubs confirmed the fixture through their official channels on Wednesday, October 28, following President William Ruto’s announcement that the European heavyweights would headline the opening of the new national stadium along Ngong Road.

Bayern announced the Nairobi trip on its official website, describing the encounter as a special match to begin the new year.

“A special match to kick off the new year: On 5 January 2027, FC Bayern will travel to Nairobi to face Dutch record champions Ajax as part of the grand opening of the new national stadium, the ‘Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City’,” the German club stated.

Ajax also confirmed the fixture through its official X account, welcoming the opportunity to feature in the opening match of the new facility.

“We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya,” Ajax wrote.

The match will bring together two of Europe’s most successful clubs as Kenya prepares to showcase its sporting infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

In his address announcing the fixture, President Ruto said the stadium fulfilled a promise he had made to Kenyans to deliver a modern facility capable of attracting leading international teams.

“Two years ago, I promised the people of Kenya a world-class stadium, where the greatest teams in the world would come to play, and today, we are keeping that promise,” he said.

The President described the 60,000-seat venue as a significant milestone in the country’s sporting development, highlighting its transformation from an open ground into a modern sporting facility.

“What was once an open ground now stands a house of 60,000 seats,” Ruto said.

He also explained the decision to name the stadium after former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who died in October 2025. Ruto recalled Odinga’s passion for football and his habit of watching matches alongside ordinary supporters.

The President said the naming was a fitting tribute to the former Prime Minister’s connection with the game and his place in Kenya’s history.

Ruto also drew a symbolic connection between the visiting clubs and the stadium’s identity. He referenced Odinga’s time studying in Germany as a link to Bayern Munich, while Ajax’s reputation for nurturing young players reflected the meaning of Talanta, the Kiswahili word for talent.

“On January 5, 2027, talent and the future will meet in Nairobi,” he said.

Bayern have won the UEFA Champions League six times, while Ajax have lifted the European crown four times, giving the fixture a combined total of 10 European Cup and Champions League titles.

For Bayern, the Nairobi trip will provide an opportunity to engage with supporters across Africa and strengthen the club’s international presence. The club’s board member for marketing and sales, Rouven Kasper, said the visit would bring Bayern closer to its African fan base while helping raise the profile of German football.

“FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection – it’s a continent with a huge passion for football,” Kasper said.

He added that the trip would provide another opportunity for supporters to experience the club in person and strengthen its international appeal.

The match will be broadcast live in Germany on ProSieben and through Bayern’s FC Bayern TV PLUS streaming service. Ticket sales are scheduled to begin on November 5 through the official Talanta Sports City website.

Beyond the opening ceremony, the stadium is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and will kick off from 19th June to 17th July 2027.

Ruto said the match would be organized through corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model intended to attract private investment, generate revenue and create opportunities for Kenyans.

Construction of the stadium began in March 2024. According to the President, the facility features a hybrid playing surface, 52 skyboxes, video assistant referee technology and goal-line technology, and is designed to accommodate football and rugby.

With both clubs now confirming their participation, the January 5 encounter is set to provide the new stadium with an international football showcase as Kenya steps up preparations for AFCON 2027.