Bayern Munich and Ajax to Inaugurate Kenya’s New 60,000-Seat National Stadium.

Roger Hampel

Image: AFC Ajax

FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax will play an exhibition match in Nairobi on 5 January 2027 to officially inaugurate Kenya's new 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium, one of the venues scheduled to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match will take place at Talanta Sports City, a major sports infrastructure development in the Kenyan capital, as the country prepares to co-host the continental tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

New National Stadium to Open Ahead of AFCON 2027 Ajax

The Raila Odinga International Stadium will have a capacity of 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football venues in East Africa.

Located within Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, the stadium is being developed as part of Kenya's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, marking a significant international sporting event for the region.

The opening fixture against Bayern Munich and Ajax will provide an opportunity to introduce the stadium to an international audience ahead of the tournament.

Kenya Prepares for Major International Football Tournament

The stadium inauguration comes approximately six months before the scheduled start of AFCON 2027.

Kenya's co-hosting responsibilities will place significant demands on stadium infrastructure, transport, accommodation and event operations.

The Raila Odinga International Stadium is expected to play a central role in the country's tournament preparations.

The Bayern Munich–Ajax match will mark its official opening and provide an early opportunity to host a high-profile international football event.

The fixture is scheduled for 5 January 2027 in Nairobi, with further details on ticket sales, broadcasting and associated commercial activities yet to be announced.

The Nairobi fixture will also bring European club football to a region where international teams have established supporter communities. According to Ajax, the organisers view the fixture as a major international football event that will attract attention across East Africa and beyond.