FIFA has officially confirmed the expanded FIFA Series 2026™, set to take place during the March and April international windows next year.
Building on the successful pilot edition in 2024, the upcoming Series will be the first full-scale implementation of the initiative – introducing more participating nations, more host countries and, for the first time, a dedicated women’s FIFA Series.
The FIFA Series aims to create meaningful international match-ups between national teams from different confederations, offering sides that rarely meet the chance to compete outside their traditional zones.
It forms an integral part of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027, which seek to promote competitive balance, development, and cross-continental exchange.
Africa set to play a key hosting role
Africa will feature prominently in the 2026 edition. Rwanda has been confirmed as one of the hosts for the men’s Series, reflecting the nation’s rising reputation as a dependable organiser of global football events. Rwanda continues to invest heavily in football infrastructure and has positioned itself as a regular destination for international sporting activity.
On the women’s side, Côte d’Ivoire will serve as one of the inaugural hosts of the women’s FIFA Series, marking another major milestone for Ivorian football after the successful staging of AFCON 2023.
The women’s game in Côte d’Ivoire stands to benefit greatly from the enhanced exposure and high-level competition.
Other hosts for the men’s Series include Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan – further highlighting the global ambition of the project. Brazil and Thailand will join Côte d’Ivoire as women’s hosts.
Opportunities for African teams
For African nations, the FIFA Series presents a strategic chance to improve technical quality and gain valuable experience against non-CAF opponents.
With no extra fixtures added to the international calendar, the initiative allows teams to play meaningful matches while maintaining player workload.
The expected benefits include:
▪︎ Technical development through exposure to diverse tactical styles
▪︎ Commercial growth for emerging football markets
▪︎ Cultural and footballing exchange, strengthening global ties
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised that the FIFA Series “is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football’s universality and diversity.”
Looking ahead
The full list of participating teams will be announced in early 2026, with interest from multiple confederations already growing.
Several African football associations are expected to use the Series as preparation for upcoming competitions, including AFCON qualifiers and long-term development projects within men’s and women’s football.
With Africa set to play a visible role both on the pitch and as hosts, the 2026 FIFA Series promises to broaden the continent’s global football footprint.
AfricaSoccer.com will continue to monitor and provide updates as the final lineup and fixtures are confirmed.
