Rwanda will be among eight countries hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA Series, a new global football initiative designed to give national teams from all continents the opportunity to play against opponents they rarely face.
The series will run during the international match window in March and April 2026. Other confirmed hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and Uzbekistan, with discussions ongoing for a few additional host nations.
Unlike traditional tournaments, the FIFA Series is not about knockout rounds or finals. Teams play in mini-friendly tournaments, with up to two matches each, and points are tallied like a small championship.
The first edition, held as a pilot in Egypt in March 2024, aimed to help smaller football nations gain experience and exposure on the international stage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the series is designed to help develop players, coaches, and fans around the world. “The 2026 edition will expand support for men’s and women’s football worldwide,” he said.
This year’s series will include more teams, bigger sponsorships, and, for the first time, a women’s division.
Rwanda’s role as a host was confirmed following discussions between former FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema and Infantino, underlining the country’s readiness to stage part of this landmark event.
For Rwandan football, this is a rare opportunity. The national team, the Amavubi Stars, will get the chance to compete at home against teams from other continents, offering players valuable exposure.
It also gives local fans the chance to watch international level football live and could boost tourism and local businesses during matchdays.
Amahoro National Stadium will host some of the matches. The stadium received approval from CAF and FIFA after extensive upgrades.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe described Amahoro as “one of the most beautiful, one of the best stadiums in Africa and in the world,” noting its potential to help develop local talent.
President Paul Kagame said, “With this stadium, we have the opportunity to cultivate our own football stars rather than looking abroad. We are committed to achieving great things here, driven by our dedication and hard work.”
Mwangi Wilson, a Kenyan working in Kigali, said, “This is not just about football; it’s about community and development. With Amahoro and Kigali Pelé Stadiums ready to host these matches, Rwandans will finally get to experience top-level international football at home, and that makes all of us proud.”
Other fans welcomed FIFA’s decision to include Rwanda as a host nation with excitement and pride.
Jean Claude Nkurunziza, a football player, said, “It’s amazing to see Rwanda recognised on the global football stage. Hosting these matches will inspire us, the players, and bring fans from all over the world to Kigali.”
Aline Mukamana added, “I’m so happy Rwanda will f inally be part of such a big international event. It’s a moment of pride for all of us, and it shows that our football is moving in the right direction.”
While the FIFA Series is not about prize money, the matches will give Rwanda international visibility, FIFA ranking points, and a chance to test its organisational skills.
Officials say the federation and local authorities will need to coordinate schedules carefully to avoid clashes with domestic leagues and continental qualifiers.
Logistics such as security, traffic management, and matchday operations will also be key to the event’s success.
Still, the opportunity is historic. Hosting part of the FIFA Series marks a milestone for Rwandan football, showing the world that the country can stage international events and compete on a global level. For fans, players, and young aspiring footballers, it is a chance to dream bigger and see Rwanda on the football map.
The excitement for March 2026 is building. For Rwandans, the FIFA Series is more than a few matches on the pitch; it is a celebration of football, a boost to national pride, and a chance to showcase the country to the world.
