What You Need to Know
FIFA has announced that Rwanda and Mauritius will join the list of host countries for the FIFA 2026 match series, scheduled for March and April. This expansion aims to increase participation and enhance competitive opportunities among nations, aligning with FIFA’s strategic goals for 2023-2027, which focus on competitive balance and growth.
Africa. FIFA has announced that Rwanda and Mauritius will join the list of host countries for the FIFA 2026 match series, scheduled during the international match window in March and April.
This move follows the inaugural series held in March 2024, as FIFA aims to expand the tournament to include a larger number of teams and host nations, in addition to launching a special edition for women’s teams.
In an official statement, FIFA clarified that the goal of the expansion is to provide “more meaningful international matches” and to enhance competitive opportunities and technical exchange among continents, aligning with FIFA’s strategic goals for 2023-2027, which focus on achieving competitive balance and technical growth.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the new series “aims to connect nations through competition, strengthen the game at all levels, and provide local communities with the opportunity to shine on the global stage.”
Host Countries
In addition to Rwanda and Mauritius, the list of host countries includes Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Puerto Rico, and Uzbekistan, with the possibility of adding more nations in the coming months.
Despite the significance of the event, both countries face organizational challenges, as the series coincides with the start of the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which may impose pressures on match schedules and logistics for the teams.
The FIFA 2026 match series represents a significant expansion of international football, aiming to include more nations and enhance global competition. This initiative follows the inaugural series held in March 2024, reflecting FIFA’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and growth in the sport. The inclusion of Rwanda and Mauritius highlights the organization’s strategy to diversify host nations and promote football development across different regions.
