• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

Harambee Stars set to face Estonia, Grenada in FIFA Series in Kigali

Harambee Stars will be back in international action in 2026 after Kenya was confirmed to take part in the FIFA Series, a new global competition designed to give national teams more quality matches against opponents from different parts of the world.

‎Kenya has been placed in Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada and host nation Rwanda. The matches will be played in Kigali, Rwanda, during the FIFA international window from March 23 to March 31.

‎The FIFA Series is a new FIFA initiative that brings together teams from different confederations to play friendly matches in one host country.

The idea is to give teams competitive games without overloading the international calendar. By playing in a centralised venue, teams reduce travel while still getting valuable match experience.

‎Group A brings together teams from Europe, the Caribbean and Africa, offering Harambee Stars a rare chance to face opponents with different styles of play. Estonia represent Europe, Grenada come from the Caribbean region, while Rwanda will enjoy home support as hosts.

‎For Kenya, the tournament comes at an important time as preparations begin to gather pace for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja Bid, making early preparation crucial for the national team.

‎The FIFA Series will allow the technical bench to assess new and existing players, test tactical ideas and build strong team chemistry. Facing varied opposition is also expected to help the players adapt to different game tempos and approaches, an important factor in modern international football.

‎With the AFCON 2027 on the horizon, these matches offer Harambee Stars a strong platform to measure progress and identify areas that need improvement. Kenyan football fans will be eager to see how the team performs as the journey towards a historic home AFCON continues.

‎The FIFA Series is expected to become a regular feature in the international calendar, providing teams like Kenya with more exposure and competitive action beyond continental competitions.