On Friday, FIFA officially announced that the FIFA Series 2026 tournament will take place in March next year. The organization unveiled the host countries for the men's matches, which include Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Uzbekistan, and noted ongoing discussions to finalize other potential hosts.
The women's matches will be hosted in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand. Participating teams for FIFA Series 2026 are expected to be revealed at the beginning of 2026, underscoring FIFA's initiative to bring countries together that rarely meet in international competitions. The series is designed to offer preparation for major tournaments, promote football governance, and foster collaboration between nations.
This edition marks a step forward from the trial event held in March 2024. Now featuring more teams, expanded sponsorships, and the first-ever women’s division, the FIFA Series 2026 aims to push boundaries on the global stage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared that the FIFA Series is an innovative platform to create new opportunities. He stated, “It’s about advancing players, coaches, and fans while enhancing football knowledge. The 2026 edition will expand support for men’s and women’s football worldwide.”
Rwanda's role in the tournament was solidified during a meeting between Shema Fabrice, President of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Their discussions framed Rwanda’s readiness and capability to host a part of this landmark event.
Rwanda proudly joins the list of nations to host FIFA Series 2026 matches—further cementing its status as a rising football destination.