With the conclusion of the men’s 2026 FIFA Series, football fans can eagerly anticipate the start of the FIFA Women’s Series. Kenya will proudly host the inaugural tournament, featuring four national teams competing at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The FIFA Series showcases an impressive 50 national teams – both men’s and women’s – competing from 13 groups across 12 host nations, representing all six continents.
In Kenya, the participating teams include Harambee Starlets, Australia, India, and Malawi. For the Harambee Starlets, this Series offers an invaluable opportunity to face a variety of opponents and accumulate essential experience.
In addition to Kenya, the other women’s groups are set to unfold in Brazil, the future host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, alongside tournaments in Ivory Coast and Thailand.
The 2026 edition will comprise three distinct four-team tournaments hosted across three countries within the FIFA window scheduled for April 9-12.
When are the fixtures in Nairobi?
The match schedule features Harambee Starlets alongside Australia, India, and Malawi, with games set to occur from April 11 to April 15.
The tournament will commence on Saturday, April 11, with two matches at Nyayo Stadium. The Harambee Starlets are set to go head-to-head with India at 6:00 pm (EAT) in the day’s standout fixture, while Australia will clash with Malawi earlier at 2:00 pm at the same venue.
The FIFA Series will culminate on Wednesday, April 15, with the third-place play-off commencing at 2:00 pm (EAT), followed by the final at 6:00 pm (EAT), which will determine the inaugural champion of the FIFA Women’s Series.
How can you watch the FIFA Series matches?
All matches will be streamed globally on FIFA’s platforms and through regional broadcasters. In Kenya, TV47 and Radio47 will provide local coverage of the matches.
Message from the FKF President regarding the Series
The President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Hussein Mohammed, has expressed enthusiasm for this development, highlighting that the Series presents a vital opportunity for the advancement of football in Kenya.
“Hosting this tournament marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football. Not only does it afford our national team valuable international exposure, but it also enhances our capability to organise and execute competitions at the highest level,” Mohammed stated during the unveiling ceremony, as referenced by the FKF website.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, remarked: “Our ability to host a tournament of this magnitude demonstrates the strides Kenya is making in sports development.
“It indicates we are on the right path and reinforcing our stature on the global stage. We are grateful for the Federation’s commitment to the broader objective of promoting sports in the country.”
Kenya’s squad announced for the Series
Coach Beldine Odemba has revealed a provisional squad of 31 players for the Series. Notable inclusions feature Marion Serenge, who is making her first appearance in the senior national team.
The provisional squad also welcomes back Terry Engesha, whose recent performances with Kenya Police Bullets have seen her earn a spot in the national setup once more.
Odemba commented after naming the squad, saying: “We are keenly anticipating the FIFA Women’s Series as it plays a crucial role in our preparations for WAFCON.
“Engaging with teams that possess varied styles and rich international experience will assist us in evaluating our growth and highlighting areas for improvement.”
The FIFA Series in Brazil is set to kick off in Cuiabá from April 11, featuring the host nation Brazil, alongside Canada (CONCACAF), South Korea (AFC), and Zambia (CAF).
Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, the Series will be held in Abidjan, featuring the hosts Ivory Coast (CAF), Mauritania (CAF), Pakistan (AFC), and Turks and Caicos Islands (CONCACAF).
The Series will take place in Thailand’s Ratchaburi, involving the host Thailand (AFC), DR Congo (CAF), Indonesia (AFC), and New Caledonia (OFC). Initially, Nepal (AFC) was slated to participate but withdrew, with Indonesia stepping in as a replacement.
Kenya’s provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanța, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets).
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasia Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanța, Romania).
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets).
Forwards: Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens).
Compiled by SportArena.au
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