Rwanda has been officially confirmed as one of the host nations for the expanded FIFA Series 2026™, joining a select group of countries entrusted with staging this global development-driven international competition.

Announced by FIFA, the FIFA Series 2026™ will feature 48 national teams from all six confederations, competing in 12 groups of four teams during the March and April international match windows. The tournament will be hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations, with Rwanda uniquely hosting two men’s groups, highlighting the country’s rising credibility in international football organisation.

Rwanda will host the following two groups:

• Group A: Rwanda (host), Kenya, Estonia, Grenada

• Group B: Tanzania, Aruba, Liechtenstein, Macau

The matches will offer the national team valuable international exposure while giving Rwandan fans the opportunity to watch diverse footballing nations compete on home soil.

Other men’s groups will be hosted in Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan, while the women’s FIFA Series groups will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand. The competition includes nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, underlining the global reach of the initiative.

Among the participating teams are nations already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including Australia, New Zealand and Uzbekistan, alongside emerging football nations from across the world and all matches will be broadcast globally, giving Rwanda and other hosts worldwide visibility.

Beyond competition, the FIFA Series supports football development through capacity building in event organisation, officiating and competition management, aligning with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game (2023–2027).

Match schedules for the FIFA Series 2026™ will be announced in due course, as Rwanda prepares to welcome the global football family once again.