Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has welcomed Kenya’s inclusion in the inaugural 2026, describing it as a major opportunity for the Harambee Stars to gain valuable international exposure.

The competition will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 23 to 31, 2026.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, January 19, 2026, Hussein said the FIFA Series offers Kenyan players a rare chance to test themselves against teams from different continents in environments that mirror the demands of major international tournaments.

“It is exactly the kind of exposure and competition our national team needs as we continue to grow and raise our standards,” he said. “Facing teams with different styles, strengths, and football cultures helps us learn, adapt, and improve, both on and off the pitch.”

The Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada, and hosts Rwanda. The group stage matches will be held at centralised venues in Kigali, providing a controlled environment for high-quality international friendlies.

Estonia, ranked 130th in the FIFA world rankings, offers the Stars a European challenge just above Kenya’s regional rivals, Rwanda. Grenada, a CONCACAF member since 1969, comes at 164th place.

Rwanda rounds off the group as hosts and an East African competitor. These matches are expected to offer Kenya a balanced test of skill and strategy ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Key AFCON preparation test

The FIFA Series initiative aims to provide competitive exposure for national teams across confederations. By playing against diverse opponents, squads like Harambee Stars can gauge their performance, identify weaknesses, and build experience under international standards. FKF believes this will strengthen Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027 and other upcoming tournaments.

Hussein Mohammed emphasised that the series will help Kenya’s technical bench, led by coach Benni McCarthy, evaluate players and experiment with tactics. The matches allow full squad participation since they align with FIFA international windows, ensuring clubs release their top players without affecting domestic league schedules.

The FKF president added that participating in global competitions raises the international profile of Kenyan football. Players will have the chance to impress scouts and potentially secure contracts overseas, while fans can follow the team through global broadcast coverage.

Harambee Stars’ recent performances, including the match against Madagascar in August 2025, have shown promise, but the team needs consistent exposure to varied playing styles to improve its competitiveness. The FIFA Series is expected to deliver that experience.