The FIFA Series Kenya (Women) is a four-nation women’s football tournament taking place from April 11-15, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. India’s Blue Tigresses will face hosts Kenya, Australia’s Matildas, and Malawi’s Scorchers in this inaugural FIFA Women’s Series.
Indian fans can watch all matches for free on the FIFA+ app and website. India enters as the second-highest-ranked team (67th in the FIFA rankings) and will play Kenya (134th) in their opening semi-final. This tournament offers valuable international exposure ahead of WAFCON and preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
What is FIFA Series?
The FIFA Series is a biennial international friendly tournament launched by FIFA in 2024. It brings together national teams from different confederations who rarely get the chance to play each other.
The FIFA Council approved this initiative in December 2022 with a clear purpose: to facilitate meaningful friendly matches between teams from separate confederations. Think of it as FIFA playing matchmaker for international football.
The 2026 edition marks the first time women’s teams are participating in the FIFA Series. A total of 16 women’s national teams will compete across four host countries: Kenya, Brazil, the Ivory Coast, and Thailand.
Why FIFA Series Kenya Matters for India
For the Blue Tigresses, this tournament is more than just friendly matches. India recently exited the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after a 1-3 defeat against Chinese Taipei in the group stage.
The FIFA Series offers a chance to rebuild momentum. Playing against a top-15-ranked team like Australia provides exposure that simply cannot be replicated in regional competitions.
Coach Crispin Chettri can use these matches to test combinations and assess tactical progress. The results will directly influence preparations for future AFC qualifiers and help identify areas needing improvement.
Tournament Format and Structure
The FIFA Series Kenya follows a simple knockout format with four teams. Two semi-finals determine who plays in the final and who contests the third-place playoff.
Key Format Details
Matches that end in a draw go straight to a penalty shootout with no extra time. This format adds pressure and tests players’ nerves from the very first match.
Semi-final winners meet in the final. Semi-final losers play the third-place playoff. All four matches are played at the same venue: Nyayo National Stadium.
Complete Match Schedule with Indian Standard Time
Indian fans should note the time difference. Kenya operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind IST.
| Date | Match | Local Time | IST | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2026 | Australia vs Malawi | 2:00 PM EAT | 4:30 PM | Semi-final 1 |
| April 11, 2026 | Kenya vs India | 6:00 PM EAT | 8:30 PM | Semi-final 2 |
| April 15, 2026 | Third-Place Playoff | 2:00 PM EAT | 4:30 PM | Playoff |
| April 15, 2026 | Final | 6:00 PM EAT | 8:30 PM | Final |
Participating Teams and FIFA Rankings
| Team | FIFA Ranking | Confederation | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 15th | AFC (Asia) | Matildas |
| India | 67th | AFC (Asia) | Blue Tigresses |
| Kenya | 134th | CAF (Africa) | Harambee Starlets |
| Malawi | 153rd | CAF (Africa) | Scorchers |
Australia is the overwhelming favorite with 119 ranking positions separating them from Kenya. India holds a 67-position advantage over the hosts, making the Blue Tigresses clear favorites in their semi-final.
India Women’s Football Team: Blue Tigresses Profile
The Blue Tigresses enter this tournament ranked 67th globally, reflecting a mixed 2025-26 season. India qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time, defeating hosts Thailand 2-1 in a memorable final group match.
Recent Form and Achievements
During the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, India topped Group B with a perfect record. Sangita Basfore’s two crucial goals against Thailand sealed qualification. The team registered a dominant 13-0 win against Mongolia, followed by 4-0 and 5-0 victories over Timor-Leste and Iraq.
However, the main tournament brought challenges. India was drawn in a tough Group C alongside Japan (7th), Vietnam (37th), and Chinese Taipei (42nd). A 1-3 defeat against Chinese Taipei ended their campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Sangita Basfore remains India’s midfield engine. Her match-winning performance against Thailand demonstrated big-match temperament.
Under coach Crispin Chettri, India has shown tactical discipline and improved defensive organization. The team needs better finishing in the final third, an area Chettri has been working on.
Australia Women’s Football Team: The Matildas
The Matildas are Australia’s most beloved national sporting team. Ranked 15th in the world, they bring star power and experience unmatched by any other team in this tournament.
Australia recently finished as runners-up in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on home soil, losing 0-1 to Japan in the final. They defeated North Korea 2-1 and China 2-1 in the knockout rounds before the final.
Star Players in the Squad
Head coach Joe Montemurro has named a 22-player squad for the FIFA Series. Some key players, like Ellie Carpenter, Mary Fowler, and Katrina Gorry, have been rested following their Asian Cup workload.
Caitlin Foord (Arsenal) brings experience from 10 major tournaments since her 2011 debut. Emily van Egmond (Leicester City) is close to becoming Australia’s most-capped player with 165 appearances.
Alanna Kennedy was named MVP of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after scoring five goals across the tournament from her attacking midfielder role.
Kenya Women’s Football Team: Harambee Starlets
The Harambee Starlets are hosting their first-ever FIFA tournament, a historic moment for Kenyan women’s football. “Harambee” means “all pull together” in Swahili and is Kenya’s national motto.
Kenya qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time since 2016. They secured qualification with a 4-1 aggregate victory over The Gambia.
Coach and Key Players
Coach Beldine Odemba faces the biggest test of her career this week. She has named a 31-player provisional squad that blends experienced players with emerging talent.
Marion Serenge earns her first senior call-up after impressing at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Captain Mwanalima Adam recently signed a two-year professional contract with HB Koge in Denmark, reflecting increased professionalism in the squad.
Malawi Women’s Football Team: The Scorchers
The Scorchers (named to distinguish them from the men’s team called “Flames”) achieved a historic milestone in October 2025. They qualified for WAFCON for the first time ever by defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate.
Malawi won their first COSAFA Women’s Championship in 2023, beating defending champions Zambia 2-1 in the final. This victory earned players cash bonuses and land plots from the Malawian government.
The Chawinga Sisters
Coach Lovemore Fazili has called up both Chawinga sisters for this tournament. Temwa Chawinga plays for Kansas City Current in the NWSL, while Tabitha Chawinga features for Olympique Lyon in France.
The Scorchers are scheduled to enter camp on April 1, 2026, at Mpira Village in Blantyre before traveling to Nairobi.
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Nyayo National Stadium is a multipurpose stadium located approximately two kilometers from Nairobi’s city center. It sits at the intersection of Mombasa Road, Langata Road, and Aerodrome Road.
Stadium Specifications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30,000 seats |
| Opened | 1983 |
| Pitch | FIFA-approved standard size |
| Floodlighting | Upgraded to 3,000 Lux (2024) |
| VAR Cameras | Installed (2024) |
The stadium underwent extensive renovations in 2024 to host CHAN 2024 and prepare for AFCON 2027. Upgrades include modern changing rooms, improved pitch drainage, and enhanced CCTV security.
In March 2025, Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon saw all 30,000 tickets sold out, demonstrating the venue’s capacity for hosting major football events.
How to Watch FIFA Series Kenya in India
Good news for Indian fans: all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be streamed for free globally on the FIFA+ app and website. No subscription is needed.
Viewing Options
| Platform | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA+ Website | fifa.com/fifaplus | Free |
| FIFA+ App (Android/iOS) | App Store / Play Store | Free |
In Kenya, TV47 and Radio47 will provide local coverage. Australia’s Matildas matches will be broadcast on Paramount+ for Australian viewers.
Ticket Information for Fans Attending in Nairobi
For Indian fans planning to travel to Nairobi, the Football Kenya Federation has set ticket prices to accommodate all budgets.
| Category | Price (KSH) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | 300 | ~195 |
| VIP | 1,000 | ~650 |
| VVIP | 5,000 | ~3,250 |
Note: Prices are approximate INR conversions. Check current exchange rates before booking.
Other FIFA Series Women’s Groups in April 2026
While India competes in Kenya, three other FIFA Series Women’s tournaments run simultaneously.
| Host | Venue | Teams | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Cuiaba | Brazil, Canada, S. Korea, Zambia | April 11 |
| Ivory Coast | Abidjan | Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Pakistan, Turks & Caicos | April 9 |
| Thailand | Ratchaburi | Thailand, DR Congo, Indonesia, New Caledonia | April 12, 15 |
Nepal was originally scheduled to participate in the Thailand group but withdrew due to ANFA suspension by the Nepal Sports Council. Indonesia replaced them.
What This Tournament Means for Indian Women’s Football
The FIFA Series Kenya offers valuable match practice that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Playing against a top-15 team like Australia provides exposure to world-class tactics and athleticism.
For context, India has never faced Australia’s women’s team in an official match. This will be a historic first encounter between the two nations.
The results will directly feed into preparations for future AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and help the coaching staff identify gaps. Win or lose, the Blue Tigresses will return with invaluable experience.
Additionally, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil looms. While India has never qualified for a Women’s World Cup, tournaments like this FIFA Series are stepping stones towards that ultimate goal.
Also Read:
The FIFA Series Kenya 2026 presents a unique opportunity for Indian fans to watch the Blue Tigresses against international opposition
India enters as the favorites against Kenya, but faces a stern test if they advance to meet Australia.
All matches are free to watch on FIFA+, making it accessible for every Indian football fan. The semi-final against Kenya kicks off at 8:30 PM IST on April 11, 2026. Mark your calendars and support the Blue Tigresses!
