The FIFA Series 2026 was officially declared open today in Kigali, Rwanda, by Fabrice Shema, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).
The announcement follows a press conference that set the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive international window, further cementing the country’s status as a premier destination for global football events.
Running from March 25 to 30, the tournament will feature eight teams competing across two venues: The Amahoro Stadium and the Kigali Pele Stadium. The series is part of a broader initiative involving eleven FIFA Member Associations hosting similar events worldwide, with Rwanda selected to stage two groups in a showcase of organizational excellence.
In his address, President Shema emphasized the importance of the tournament as both a platform for competitive exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate Rwanda’s capacity to host international football.
“We are very optimistic that the country will stage a successful FIFA Series, and we shall also learn several things,” said Shema, who was elected as an Executive Member of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).
The tournament structure will see the eight participating nations divided into two groups.
Group A comprises hosts Rwanda, Kenya, Estonia, and Grenada.
Group B features Aruba, Macau, Tanzania, and Liechtenstein.
The opening fixtures are set for Thursday at the Kigali Pele Stadium, where Group B will commence action with Aruba facing Macau, followed by a clash between Tanzania and Liechtenstein.
Group A action will begin on March 27 at Amahoro Stadium, where Rwanda under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Stephen Constantine will kick off their campaign against Grenada. Later that same day, Kenya will face Estonia.
The competitive format will see the winners of each group advance to contest the final match, while the runners-up will meet in a separate fixture to conclude the international friendly series.
Credit was extended to FIFA for its continued commitment to creating competitive platforms that provide emerging football nations with valuable international exposure. Special recognition was also directed toward President Shema for his leadership and sustained efforts to elevate Rwanda’s profile within the global football community.