All set for FIFA Women's Series in Nairobi
Harambee Starlets' in action against hosts Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan on March 4, 2026. Ivory Coast won 1-0. Photo courtesy of FKF Media.
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India National Women's team (Blue Tigresses) was the first one to arrive at JKIA on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 1:30pm.
Crispin Chettri is leading the 22-member squad after being re-appointed as the head coach for the friendly tournament. Sujata Kar, who won the AIFF Women's Coach of the Year award in 2025, was appointed as the assistant coach while Fysal K Bapu has been appointed as the goalkeeping coach.
Australia was second to touch down on Tuesday at 5.30PM. The team, led by Captain Sam Kerr, arrived to much fanfare ahead of their participation in the new FIFA competition during this women's international break.
Arsenal's Caitlin Foord is also in the squad, but her club teammate, Steph Catley, had to withdraw after picking up an injury during a Champions League game against Chelsea. The team is headed by head coach Joe Montemurro.
Malawi Women’s National Team ("The Scorchers") was the last to arrive on April 8, 2026.
The team coached by Lovemore Fazili will use the high-profile friendlies as critical preparation for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco later this year.
They will rely on European-based professionals Tabitha Chawinga and Rose Kabzere to fuel their expectation of winning the series.
"Finally welcome to Kenya Team Malawi. Football truly unites the world, and we are honored to host you for the 2026 FIFA Women's Series. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament, and we hope you enjoy your stay in Kenya,” said Hussein Mohammed, President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Australia will open their campaign against Malawi on Saturday, April 11, starting at 2 p.m., before Kenya meets Malawi at 6 p.m. EAT.
The winners will face off in the final on Wednesday April 15, 2026. This will be preceded by the third-place match pitting the losers of the first match.
Last month Rwanda successfully hosted two groups of the FIFA men’s Series. The International friendly matches also featured teams from the CECAFA Zone; Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
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