Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam set for Nairobi stadium opener ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam are expected to meet in Nairobi on 5 January 2027 to inaugurate one of the main venues for the CAN 2027 tournament, Kenyan president William Ruto has announced.

The friendly will open the Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Stadium, as Kenya prepares to co-host the competition with Uganda and Tanzania.

The high-profile fixture is intended to showcase Kenya’s ambitions ahead of the tournament, while also providing a public demonstration of progress on the infrastructure required to stage the event.

The new stadium, located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, is planned to hold 60,000 spectators. Its design takes inspiration from the shield shown on the Kenyan flag and includes a number of modern features.

Those facilities are set to include solar panels, rainwater collection systems and VIP areas with panoramic views of the pitch.

Ruto said the project fulfilled a commitment he had made to the Kenyan public.

“Two years ago, I promised Kenyans a world-class stadium where the biggest teams would come to play. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” he said.

The proposed match could give Kenyan supporters the opportunity to watch leading Bayern Munich players, including new Ballon d’or winner Harry Kane and Michael Olise, although their involvement will depend on whether they are included in the German club’s squad.

The announcement comes as preparations for CAN 2027 continue to attract close attention. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are due to host the tournament, but questions have remained over whether all three countries will be ready in time.

Kenya was recently confirmed as a host country by Patrice Motsepe in response to doubts about its ability to stage the competition. The stadium opening is therefore intended to underline the country’s capacity to organise a major international football event.

Although Kenya is better known internationally for its achievements in athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running, the country is hoping to make significant progress in football.

The Harambee Stars will play in CAN 2027 on home soil, a prospect that could generate considerable public enthusiasm.

Hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam for the stadium’s opening would offer a powerful symbol of Kenya’s intentions. However, the success of the tournament will depend on more than the appearance of a new venue.

Transport, wider infrastructure and the organisation of the competition will also have to meet the required standard. For Kenya, the central challenge will remain delivering CAN 2027 successfully.