The stage is officially set for a historic footballing first in East Africa. All participating nations have touched down in Nairobi ahead of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series 2026, scheduled to light up the Nyayo National Stadium from April 11th to 15th.
The arrival of global powerhouses like Australia’s Matildas, alongside the rising “Blue Tigresses” of India and Southern Africa’s Malawi Scorchers, has turned the Kenyan capital into the epicenter of women’s football this week.
All Systems Go: Teams in Camp
The Indian national team was the first to land early this week, followed by a star-studded Australian side and a determined Malawian contingent. For host nation Kenya, the Harambee Starlets have been in a residential camp since April 1st, fine-tuning their tactics under head coach Beldine Odemba.
This FIFA-sanctioned pilot project is designed to bridge the gap between confederations, allowing teams to test their mettle against playing styles they rarely encounter.
The Opening Double-Header (Saturday, April 11)
The tournament follows a knockout “Final Four” format. The action begins this Saturday with Semi-Final 1: Australia vs. Malawi (2:00 PM EAT)
World-ranked #15 Australia, led by interim manager Joe Montemurro and legendary captain Sam Kerr, will face a Malawi side that has been rapidly rising in the CAF rankings.
Semi-Final 2: Kenya vs. India (6:00 PM EAT)
The host Harambee Starlets will look to utilize home advantage against a technically gifted Indian side that has traveled over 4,000 miles to prove their worth on African soil.
Most local football fans will have a keen eye on the Starlets’ squad, which features Marion Serenge.
The young striker has been in sensational form for Uganda’s St. Noa FC, scoring six goals in her last five appearances.
Her inclusion highlights the deep sporting synergy within the CECAFA region.
Tournament at a Glance:
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Tickets: FKF has confirmed affordable pricing to encourage a massive turnout: KSh 300 (Terraces), KSh 1,000** (VIP), and KSh 5,000 (VVIP).
Finals Day: Wednesday, April 15th, featuring the Third-Place Play-off (2:00 PM) and the Grand Final (6:00 PM).
As the first of its kind on the continent, the 2026 FIFA Series in Nairobi is more than just a set of friendlies—it is a statement of intent for the growth of the women’s game across East Africa.
That’s fantastic news! It’s great to see football getting this kind of international attention in Nairobi.