NAIROBI. Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed that European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will meet in Nairobi on January 5, 2027, to inaugurate the country’s new national stadium ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ruto made the announcement during a Wednesday evening address at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, unveiling plans for a high-profile encounter to mark the opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The fixture will bring together two of Europe’s most decorated clubs at a facility expected to play a central role when Kenya co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Both Bayern Munich and Ajax independently confirmed the match through their official social media platforms on Wednesday, October 28, giving further weight to the presidential announcement.
“A special match to kick off the new year: FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium,” Bayern announced.
The German champions also released promotional material featuring their players alongside the two clubs’ crests, identifying Nairobi as the destination for the January encounter.
Ajax welcomed the announcement, describing the fixture as an important occasion for the Dutch club.
“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,” Ajax stated.
European royalty heads to Nairobi
The encounter promises to attract considerable attention across East Africa, with both clubs boasting distinguished histories in European football.
Bayern Munich have won the European Cup and UEFA Champions League six times, most recently in 2020, establishing themselves among the continent’s most successful teams.
Ajax have lifted the prestigious trophy four times, including three consecutive triumphs between 1971 and 1973 and their most recent success in 1995.
Together, the clubs account for 10 European titles, adding considerable prestige to an occasion designed to showcase Kenya’s newest football infrastructure.
The fixture also presents Kenyan supporters and football enthusiasts from neighbouring countries with an opportunity to experience two internationally recognised clubs competing on East African soil.
However, the clubs have not yet disclosed their travelling squads, ticketing arrangements or the kick-off time.
Major milestone for AFCON 2027
Beyond the attraction of European football, the January fixture represents an important milestone in Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City is among the venues being developed for AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The tournament will mark the first time three East African countries have jointly hosted Africa’s premier men’s international football competition.
The inauguration will also provide an opportunity to assess the stadium’s operational readiness, including crowd management, security arrangements, access routes and other matchday services.
Kenya’s announcement adds another dimension to the regional preparations as, Kenya alongside Uganda and Tanzania work towards delivering the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
With January 5 now earmarked for the stadium’s ceremonial opening, attention will turn to the final preparations and the logistical arrangements required to host two of European football’s biggest names.
The Bayern-Ajax encounter is expected to provide an early international showcase for a venue that will later welcome some of Africa’s leading national teams.