Ajax and Bayern Munich to open Nairobi’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium

Ajax and Bayern Munich will play the first match at Kenya’s new national stadium when they meet at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi on 5 January 2027.

The fixture was confirmed by both clubs on Wednesday and will mark the official opening of the venue, which is also known as Talanta Sports Stadium.

Construction of the stadium began in 2024. It will serve as Kenya’s new national stadium and has a capacity of up to 60,000 spectators. The venue is scheduled to host matches at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as other football and rugby fixtures.

Ajax said the organisers had extended a warm invitation to both clubs and described the match as a significant event for East African football.

“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,” the Dutch club said on its website.

“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.”

Ajax described the invitation as “an honour” but also said the match would provide a “serious test of strength” during the Eredivisie winter break.

The game will also give Bayern Munich an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with supporters across Africa, according to the club’s board member for sales and marketing, Rouven Kasper.

“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.”