Bayern Munich and Ajax to open Kenya’s new national stadium in January

Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed that Bayern Munich and Ajax will play the opening match at the country’s new national stadium on 5 January 2027.

The fixture will officially inaugurate the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Announcing the match in a national address on Wednesday, Ruto described the meeting between the two European clubs as a historic occasion.

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern Munich of Germany and FC Ajax of Amsterdam. Between them, they have been crowned champions of Europe ten times,” he said.

Ruto also highlighted the symbolism of the fixture, linking Bayern Munich’s German heritage to the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, after whom the stadium is named, while pointing to Ajax’s reputation for developing young football talent.

“On January 5, 2027, talent and the future will meet in Nairobi,” he added.

The Kenyan president said the event would be organised through corporate partnerships and a commercial model aimed at attracting private investment and creating opportunities for Kenyans.

Both clubs have confirmed the fixture. Ajax described the invitation as an honour, while Bayern Munich said the match would provide an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with supporters across Africa.

The opening match is expected to be a major milestone for Kenya as it prepares to host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The new stadium is expected to serve as one of the venues for the continental tournament, which will be a significant test of the three East African nations’ readiness to stage Africa’s premier international football competition.