FIFA has confirmed that Rwanda and Mauritius will serve as African hosts for the 2026 FIFA Series.
The men’s edition will be staged during the March–April international window, with both countries joining a list of hosts that includes Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan.
The event also marks progress for the women’s game, as Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand prepare to stage the first-ever women’s FIFA Series.
The programme gives national teams a chance to face opponents they rarely encounter, building on the first edition held in March 2024.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative is aimed at “unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football’s universality and diversity through meaningful matches.”
The governing body added that the expanded format is intended to create “more meaningful international matches” and deepen global football development.
The FIFA Series supports the global body’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, which emphasises competitive balance, technical improvement and wider international exchange.
It also gives emerging football nations an opportunity to bring global attention to their local communities through international fixtures.
