Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, is set to make its mark on the international stage as it prepares to host part of the 2026 FIFA Series™. The tournament, designed to give national teams meaningful international experience, will run in Kigali from 23 to 31 March 2026. Rwanda has been drawn in Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada, and Kenya, while Group B features Aruba, Liechtenstein, Macau, and Tanzania.
The FIFA Series is an expanded global initiative by FIFA to provide a competitive match experience for national teams from different continents, especially those that rarely meet in official competitions. Unlike major tournaments, the Series focuses on development, exposure, and cross-continental competition, giving teams a chance to test themselves in high-quality international fixtures. This aligns with FIFA’s Global Game 2023–2027 objectives, aimed at increasing participation, improving technical standards, and promoting football worldwide.
Rwanda’s hosting role is particularly significant. Not only does it allow Amavubi to face European, Caribbean, and African opponents on home soil, but it also provides local fans with the rare opportunity to watch international football firsthand. For the players, these matches are a chance to gain tactical and strategic experience against diverse playing styles, which will strengthen the team ahead of future continental and global competitions.
The 2026 FIFA Series is part of a broader international strategy, with men’s and women’s tournaments held in multiple countries. While Rwanda hosts two men’s groups, the women’s Series will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand, highlighting FIFA’s ongoing commitment to growing women’s football globally.
For Rwanda, participation in the FIFA Series offers more than competition it is an opportunity to showcase national football, strengthen international connections, and inspire a new generation of players and fans. As teams arrive from across the world, Kigali will become a hub of footballing excitement, fostering sportsmanship, learning, and cultural exchange.
The tournament’s format is also designed to minimise fixture congestion while maximising competitive value, making it a model for development-focused international football. Fans can expect fast-paced, entertaining matches where milestones, personal records, and national pride will all be on display.
With the FIFA Series 2026 set to kick off in March, Rwanda is ready to welcome the world of football to its capital and Amavubi are ready to seize the opportunity to shine.
Source: FIFA
