Bayern Munich confirm African showcase with Ajax for new Kenya stadium opening

Bayern Munich will play Ajax Amsterdam in Nairobi on 5 January 2027 as part of an international football event marking the opening of Kenya’s new national stadium.

The friendly, announced by Bayern on Wednesday, will take place at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Talanta Sports City. It is being staged as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania next summer.

The event is intended to celebrate football in Africa and give supporters on the continent the chance to watch Bayern in the Kenyan capital.

Rouven Kasper, Bayern Munich board member for marketing and sales, said the club had a strong connection with its African supporters.

“Bayern Munich has millions of wonderful fans in Africa and we feel a close connection to them. The continent has an enormous passion for football,” Kasper said.

The German club has used its Audi summer tour to strengthen its presence in America and Asia over many years. Kasper said the match in Kenya would provide a similar opportunity to build its relationship with supporters in Africa.

“For many years, we have worked to strengthen our presence in America and Asia through our Audi summer tour,” he added. “Now we have a new opportunity to deepen our relationship with our fans in Africa, give them the chance to see Bayern Munich up close and underline the international presence of our club.”

Kasper also said Bayern hoped the fixture would help raise the profile of the Bundesliga.

“We will also contribute to strengthening the standing of the Bundesliga and are very much looking forward to taking part in this exceptional event,” he said.