Bayern Munich and Ajax to Play First Match at Kenya's New National Stadium

Ajax and Bayern Munich to inaugurate Kenya's New 60,000-seat Stadium

Bayern Munich board member Rouven Kasper hails Africa's football passion as the German champions confirm a January 5, 2027 friendly against Ajax to inaugurate Nairobi's Raila Odinga Stadium.

Ajax and Bayern Munich to headline opening game at Nairobi's Raila Odinga International Stadium...

Kenya's new national stadium, the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, will be officially opened with a high-profile friendly between Ajax and Bayern Munich, both clubs announced on Wednesday.

The inaugural fixture is scheduled for January 5, 2027.

The Raila Odinga International Stadium, also called the Talanta Sports Stadium, has been under construction since 2024 and will serve as Kenya's new national stadium. The 60,000-capacity venue is slated to stage matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as other football and rugby fixtures.

We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 https://t.co/KycERrVgqT

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 28, 2026

Ajax confirmed the invitation on their website, stating: “The invitation to Ajax and Bayern Munich for the opening match was accompanied by warm words from the organisers for both clubs.”

The Dutch club described the invitation as “an honour” and said the clash with Bayern would be a “serious test of strength” during the Eredivisie's winter break.

“The match between Bayern Munich and Ajax - six- and four-time UEFA Champions League winners respectively - is regarded by the organisers as a major football event in East Africa. It marks the opening of a special new stadium in front of a huge African crowd, a clash between two giants of international football, and a defining moment for Kenya on the road to the Africa Cup of Nations.”

“A continent full of passion”

Bayern board member for marketing and sales Rouven Kasper praised Africa for its deep football passion, describing the match as a perfect opportunity to connect with the club's supporters on the continent.

Major Announcement https://t.co/fW38mTVjnt

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 28, 2026

“FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection – it’s a continent with a huge passion for football,” Kasper said.

“For many years, we have consistently maintained a presence in America and Asia with our ‘Audi Summer Tour’. Now we have a new opportunity to further strengthen our connection with our fans in Africa too, to allow people to experience FC Bayern first-hand and to underline our club’s international appeal. We will be making a further contribution to raising the profile of the Bundesliga and are very much looking forward to this special event.”