Harambee Stars learn FIFA Series opponents for March international break

Harambee Stars will be in competitive action during the FIFA international windows this year, having been confirmed for the FIFA Series, a global initiative designed to give national teams meaningful exposure across different confederations.

Kenya has been drawn in Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada, and hosts Rwanda, with all matches scheduled in Kigali from March 23-31, 2026.

The centralized venue format ensures teams play high-quality friendlies while minimizing fixture congestion, offering Harambee Stars the chance to measure themselves against diverse styles of play from Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The FIFA Series represents more than just friendly matches.

For head coach Benni McCarthy and his technical team, it offers a valuable platform to experiment, build cohesion, and evaluate players in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

With the continental showpiece fast approaching, the matches in Kigali are expected to provide both tactical insights and confidence-building opportunities for the squad.

Harambee Stars enter the series following a mixed 2025.

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The campaign began with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but a subsequent 2-1 defeat to Gabon highlighted the challenges ahead.

Kenya bounced back with a 5-0 victory over Seychelles in September but then fell 3-1 at home to Gambia in a crucial fixture.

The year ended with friendlies in Turkey, where Harambee Stars narrowly lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea before suffering an 8-0 defeat to Senegal.

The FIFA Series offers an opportunity to close that gap.

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With competitive minutes guaranteed and exposure to varied footballing styles, Harambee Stars will hope to emerge from Kigali stronger, more confident, and ready to stake their claim as one of East Africa’s premier teams ahead of AFCON 2027.