Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi has been selected to host Kenya’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon on March 24, 2025. The fixture will also serve as a test event ahead of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in August.
The decision was confirmed on Sunday, February 23, following a two-day inspection by a CAF delegation led by the organization’s Director of Tournaments and Events, Samson Adamu. The delegation assessed the progress of renovations at the stadium and other facilities earmarked for the upcoming CHAN competition.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee for the 2025 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), revealed that discussions are underway to organize additional test matches at Nyayo and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Both stadiums have been undergoing improvements to align with international standards as Kenya prepares to co-host CHAN from August 2 to 30, 2025, and later, matches for the 2027 AFCON.
The confirmation comes after Kenya’s CHAN tournament was pushed from January to August due to delays in infrastructure readiness. Previously, the national team, Harambee Stars, had to play their home qualifiers in Malawi due to the unavailability of Nyayo and Kasarani. The Ministry of Sports has since faced scrutiny after Kenya’s AFCON qualification matches were staged in Uganda and South Africa, raising concerns about the country’s preparedness to host major international fixtures.
Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee, expressed optimism about the progress made in rehabilitating key venues. The CAF delegation inspected Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, along with training facilities at Kasarani Annex, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium. They noted significant improvements, including the arrival of materials for Kasarani’s canopy, floodlights, and electronic scoreboards. At Nyayo, one of four new floodlights has already been installed, while the pitch, changing rooms, and media tribune are ready for testing during the Gabon match.
On the competitive front, Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group ‘F’ of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with five points from four matches. Côte d’Ivoire leads the group with ten points, followed by Gabon (nine) and Burundi (seven). Gambia and Seychelles are fifth and sixth with three and zero points, respectively. The group winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best second-placed teams from all groups will enter playoffs for additional slots.
As part of broader preparations for CHAN, CAF officials will also assess stadiums and training facilities in Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya’s co-hosts. In Uganda, the team is set to inspect Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and various training venues in Kampala. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, their focus will be on Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and training grounds at Gymkhana Club, Law School, and Maj. Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium.
The upcoming Kenya-Gabon fixture at Nyayo Stadium is expected to be a significant milestone in Kenya’s bid to prove its capability to host international tournaments.
