Harambee Stars are set to travel to Kigali later this month to compete in the FIFA Series, a FIFA initiative designed to give national teams structured competitive friendlies beyond the usual qualifiers and regional competitions. Launched in 2024, the FIFA Series brings together teams from different continents, giving them the chance to play meaningful matches, gain international exposure, and prepare for upcoming tournaments. The 2026 edition has been expanded to include both men’s and women’s competitions, with 48 national teams participating across multiple host nations during the March to April FIFA international window.
Kenya has been drawn in a four-team group hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, alongside hosts Rwanda, Estonia from Europe, and Grenada from the Caribbean. This presents a rare opportunity for the Harambee Stars to face teams from different footballing regions, each offering unique playing styles and tactical approaches rarely encountered in the usual African fixtures.
The Harambee Stars will open their campaign against Estonia on Friday, March 27, at 7pm, with Rwanda taking on Grenada at 10pm the same evening. Depending on the opening results, Kenya will play its second match on Monday, March 30, either in the winners’ match at 10pm if victorious or in the losers’ match at 7pm if they fall short. This format guarantees every team at least two competitive matches, aligning with FIFA’s goal of structured, meaningful game time and development opportunities for all participants.
For Harambee Stars, the FIFA Series comes at a crucial time as the team continues preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Playing against unfamiliar international opponents provides the coaching staff with valuable insights on squad depth, tactics, and potential areas for improvement ahead of the continental tournament.
Head coach Benni McCarthy was spotted at Nyayo Stadium yesterday watching a league match between Mathare United and Shabana FC, closely tracking national team players involved in the match and scouting prospects for possible call-ups to the national squad. This hands-on approach highlights the focus on assembling a competitive squad in time for the AFCON co-hosting duties.
The FIFA Series also offers Kenyan players a platform to gain exposure, improve their game against diverse opposition, and contribute to the country’s FIFA ranking
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