Eight national teams are set to take part in the FIFA Series 2026, an international friendly tournament organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed that the tournament will take place from March 23 to March 31, 2026, bringing together national teams from different continents as part of FIFA’s global football development program.
The FIFA Series is a newly introduced competition within FIFA’s 2023–2027 strategic cycle, aimed at strengthening international football by providing more competitive match opportunities, particularly for national teams that rarely participate in major international tournaments.
According to FERWAFA’s official statement, the men’s category of the tournament in Kigali will feature eight national teams, divided into two groups, although the specific match schedule and group compositions will be announced at a later date.
FERWAFA stated:
“The FIFA Series 2026 will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, for the first time. The tournament will bring together seven visiting nations alongside the host country, competing in two groups.”
The tournament will be held during the international break, allowing countries to field their best available players. This format gives national teams the opportunity to play international-level friendly matches that contribute to technical growth, team cohesion, and global exposure.
In addition to Rwanda, the host nation, the confirmed participating countries are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and Uzbekistan, representing different regions of the world including Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
The diversity of participating teams reflects FIFA’s intention to promote cross-continental competition, enabling teams to gain experience against unfamiliar playing styles and tactical approaches.
Meanwhile, the women’s edition of the FIFA Series 2026 will be hosted in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand, further highlighting FIFA’s commitment to developing both men’s and women’s football on a global scale.
Hosting the FIFA Series represents a significant milestone for Rwanda, reinforcing its growing reputation as a destination for major international sporting events and underlining the country’s continued investment in football development and sports infrastructure.
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