2026 FIFA Series: Harambee Starlets face India as Australia take on Malawi

The long awaited 2026 Women's FIFA Series is finally here, and will kick off today, Saturday, 11 April with two matches lined up at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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This international friendly series brings together four teams drawn from across the globe, with Kenya privileged to host the 2026 edition.

Australia will open the stage against Malawi, before Kenya takes on India in a match that will be played under the floodlights.

Kenya vs India

The Kenyan Women’s national team, Harambee Starlets, will open their campaign with a match against India that will kick off at 1700 hrs and therefore played under the floodlights.

This will be the first time that the two nations will face each other, making the Saturday evening encounter more juicy.

India’s Blue Tigresses are currently ranked 67th in the FIFA global standings, and have a rich history of success in Women football, including five titles in the SAFF Women Championship, and Runners Up in the 1980 and 1983 editions of the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

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Harambee Starlets, on the other hand, are currently ranked 134th on the global standings, and are a rising force in African Women football having recently qualified to the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking their second qualification in the continental tourney after their debut in 2016.

Starlets are therefore using these matches to prepare for the 2026 WAFCON, with coach Beldine Odemba terming WACON postponement as a blessing in disguise, as she now has time to gauge her team against strong world outfits.

“We are ready for the match. We received the last batch of international players and now have a full house. We have watched a couple of games of our opponents and have an idea of how they play and know what to expect in the match,” said Odemba.

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Australia vs Malawi

The friendly series will kick off with a match between World giants Australia and Malawi at 1400 hrs.

The Matildas are currently ranked 15th in the global standings, and boast of renowned players in their squad including Chelsea star Sam Kerr and Caitlin Ford.

The Joe Montemurro-coached side are not only favourites to win their match against Malawi, but also to lift the title.

Malawi, on their hand, will be glad to face such an opposition as they prepare to compete in the 2026 WAFCON.