Kenya’s march toward becoming a continental and global football hub is no longer a distant ambition. It is unfolding in real time.

With the country set to host the FIFA Series International Women Friendlies in 2026 and co-host the men's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, confidence among leaders in sport has grown into a firm declaration of readiness, backed by action, investment, and a renewed spirit of collaboration.

At the official launch of FIFA Series International Women Friendlies in Nairobi on March 24, 2026, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, captured the moment with clarity and pride, describing it as transformative not just for football, but for the nation as a whole. “Today we have come here and we have gathered here because we are making history. This is a momentous occasion for Kenya,” he said, emphasizing that the events signal “the continued transformation of developing football talent in our country.”

For Kenya, hosting the FIFA Series women’s matches marks a historic first. Mvurya underscored the magnitude of the opportunity: “I’m very proud to announce that FIFA has selected Kenya to host the 2026 FIFA Series Women Matches. And this will be the first time that Kenya hosts a FIFA global football event. This is a milestone that speaks volumes to our growing credibility, readiness, and influence.”

That readiness is not accidental. It is rooted in deliberate planning and sustained reforms. “This achievement is not accidental. It is as a result of deliberate government policy, sustained investment, and institutional reforms aimed at transforming the sports sector,” Mvurya explained. From infrastructure upgrades to policy frameworks and private sector engagement, Kenya is building a comprehensive ecosystem to support world-class events.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed echoed this optimism, calling the FIFA Series “one of the most exciting moments in Kenyan football history.” He highlighted its uniqueness, noting, “For the first time ever, Kenya has been selected to host a FIFA tournament. It has never happened in the history of Kenyan football.” Beyond the symbolism, Mohamed emphasized the tangible benefits: “The visibility around the world will of course boost our tourism, location and opportunities, and we will also be able to place ourselves as a strong sporting nation.”

The FIFA Series is also a testing ground, a rehearsal for even bigger ambitions. Mohamed pointed out that hosting such events builds essential experience: “As we prepare for AFCON 2027, this enables us to host or to gain experience. As we host these events, we are able to gain experience in organising these events.”

Mvurya reinforced this forward-looking approach, linking the FIFA Series directly to AFCON 2027 preparations.

“Beyond the results, these matches provide a valuable learning platform to sharpen the team, build cohesion, and strengthen our competitiveness as we prepare for future competitions, including AFCON,” he said.

Crucially, both leaders emphasized that Kenya’s readiness extends beyond the pitch. It encompasses infrastructure, governance, and financial commitments. Addressing concerns about AFCON preparations, Mvurya was unequivocal: “I want to assure all Kenyans that Kenya is ready to host AFCON 2027. The matters of financing and paying hosting fee [Sh3.9 billion] is part of the process. There is no doubt, we will be able to meet our obligation.”

He went further, offering a confident guarantee to stakeholders across Africa and beyond: “Those who have been having doubts, please take it from me, Kenya is ready. Kenya will meet its financial obligation. And Kenya will also meet the infrastructure compliances to make sure that we host the best Africa Cup of Nations in the region.”

Mohamed complemented this assurance with a broader vision of what AFCON represents.

“We are more than winning,” he said.

“We will host one of the best, if not the best, extravaganza in the world.”

He highlighted the tournament’s global reach, noting that AFCON now commands billions of viewers, transforming it into a worldwide spectacle and positioning Kenya as a prime destination for sports tourism.

Underlying this optimism is a renewed partnership between government and football authorities.

Mvurya noted the shift from past challenges to a more stable, supportive environment: “We have reduced the noise and we have continued to make sure that we take care of the welfare of our sportsmen and women.” 

Mohamed similarly praised the collaboration, stating, “We have worked hand in hand with the government of Kenya to ensure that we bring football… and support our national teams to the best of our ability.”

As Harambee Starlets prepare to face India, Australia, and Malawi in Nairobi at the FIFA Series slated for April 11 to April 15, 2026, and the men’s team gains exposure in international friendlies in FIFA series in Rwanda, the immediate focus is performance. But the bigger picture is unmistakable: Kenya is building a legacy.

Mvurya perhaps summed it up best with a call to unity and belief: “Let us seize this moment to showcase our unity, our passion for sport, and our unmatched hospitality as we welcome the world to Kenya.”

With confidence from leadership, growing global trust, and visible investment on the ground, Kenya is not just preparing to host, it is ready to deliver.