FIFA Series: Rwanda Unveils Squad for Tournament

Amavubi, Rwanda's national team, prepares for tournament

Rwanda's national team, Amavubi, gears up for the FIFA Series with a 31-man squad, led by new coach Stephen Constantine.

“I do have unfinished business in Rwanda. We qualified for AFCON but later fell short, and now I am back to finish the job...”

Stephen Constantine has been unveiled as Rwanda's new head coach, taking charge of the national team, Amavubi, for the second time. He signed a two-year contract, replacing Adel Amrouche, who was fired in January. Constantine, 63, has named a 31-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, which will take place in Kigali from March 23 to 31.

Constantine, an English tactician, previously led Rwanda from 2014 to 2015 and guided them to their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 64. He expressed his ambition to “finish the job” and lead Rwanda to greater success. The FIFA Series will feature Rwanda facing Grenada, Kenya, and Estonia in Group A.

The 2026 FIFA Series is the second edition of the invitational football tournament, featuring friendly matches between national teams from different continents. It's a FIFA-promoted event, bringing teams together for some exciting matchup.

The men's tournament will feature nine four-team series, taking place across eight host countries between March 23-31. 

Initially, nine countries were set to host the FIFA Series, including Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Uzbekistan, and New Zealand, which joined later. However, Mauritius had to pull out due to Afcon qualifiers.

The Mauritius series was moved to Rwanda, which will now host two series, bringing the total host countries down to eight. 

Rwanda kicks off their FIFA Series campaign against Grenada at Amahoro Stadium on March 27. They're in Group A, facing Grenada, Kenya's Harambee Stars, and Estonia's national team.

Group B is set with Tanzania, Liechtenstein, Aruba, and Macau. Meanwhile, Kenya's coach Benni McCarthy has announced his squad for the tournament. 

Adel Amrouche took over as Rwanda's coach in March 2025, replacing German coach Torsten Spittler who left the role in December 2024. Amrouche, an Algerian coach, signed a 24-month contract and is tasked with preparing Rwanda for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

9 days and football arrives here.

Feel the stands. Feel the pride.#FIFAseries2026#RwandaIsReady pic.twitter.com/V1vB46QZSb

— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) March 16, 2026

Constantine Returns to Rwanda with Unfinished Business

Stephen Constantine, the English coach, has been reappointed as the head coach of Rwanda's national football team, Amavubi, on a two-year renewable contract. This marks his second stint at the helm, having previously led the team from May 2014 to January 2015. During his initial tenure, Rwanda achieved a historic FIFA ranking of 64th. Constantine has expressed his desire to continue where he left off, stating he has “unfinished business” with Rwandan football.

Constantine's first match in charge will be a friendly against Grenada on March 27, 2026, as part of the FIFA Series tournament. He aims to build a competitive squad capable of making a significant impact on the African football stage, particularly in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying campaign.

“I do have unfinished business in Rwanda. We qualified for AFCON but later fell short, and now I am back to finish the job,” Constantine told journalists in Rwanda as quoted by New Times Sport.

“I am glad to be back here. I still believe we can do better, and I believe Rwanda can be even stronger than it was eleven years ago.”

Stephen Constantine, the new Rwanda coach, has officially started his role, taking charge of the national team, Amavubi, for the second time. He began work on March 16th, preparing the team for the FIFA Series in Kigali, scheduled from March 26-31. Constantine brings extensive experience, having previously coached India, Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, and Pakistan.

Rwanda Amavubi squad for FIFA Series

Goalkeepers: Fiacre Ntwari, Hugo Bigirimana, Patience Niyongira and Adolphe Hakizimana.

Defenders: Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Kavita Phanuel Mbaya and Yunusu Nshimiyimana, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Claude Niyomugabo, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro and Obed Uwumukiza.

Midfielders: Bonheur Mugisha, Djihad Bizimana, Samuel Gueulette, Kevin Muhire, Sven Kalisa, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Hakim Sahabo and Rene Uwineza.

Forwards: Mickels Joy Slayd, Karl Matteo Ndayishimiye Innocent Nshuti, Mickels Joy Lance, Abeddy Biramahire, Lague Byiringiro, Jojea Kwizera, Mickels Leroy Jacques, Kury Johan Marvin, David Niyo and Gilbert Mugisha

Urutonde rw’agateganyo rw’Abakinnyi bagize Ikipe y’Igihugu Amavubi bazatoranywamo abazahagararira u Rwanda muri #FIFAseries2026 pic.twitter.com/iegrSlP63m

— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) March 16, 2026

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