The Harambee Stars are heading to Kigali after being confirmed for the inaugural FIFA Series, a new global initiative that brings national teams from different confederations together for a concentrated block of high‑quality friendlies.
Group A draw and match dates
Kenya has been drawn into Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada and hosts Rwanda, with all fixtures scheduled to take place in Kigali from 23–31 March 2026.
A compact festival of cross‑confederation football
The FIFA Series gathers teams in a single venue to play a string of friendly matches, delivering meaningful opposition without overloading the international calendar and offering a rare mix of European, Caribbean and African styles.
A tactical laboratory for Benni McCarthy
For coach Benni McCarthy and his staff, the Kigali block is more than warm‑ups — it’s a laboratory to test formations, evaluate players under tournament‑like pressure and build cohesion ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co‑host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Opponents at a glance
Estonia brings European structure and discipline, sitting near the 130th spot in the FIFA rankings, while Grenada offers Caribbean flair from around 164th; the Harambee Stars themselves were ranked 113th in December, setting the stage for stylistic tests rather than heavyweight clashes.
What to expect in Kigali
Expect a compact, intense schedule with quick turnarounds, varied tactical challenges and atmospheres ranging from Rwanda’s passionate home support to Estonia’s measured approach and Grenada’s unpredictability — all designed to test Kenya’s adaptability and squad depth.
Momentum and opportunity
With concentrated international exposure on offer, the Harambee Stars arrive in Rwanda with a clear mission: sharpen tactics, cement team spirit and unearth the players who can carry Kenya’s ambitions into AFCON 2027. The stage is set — now it’s up to the Stars to seize it.
