NAIROBI, Kenya — Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will headline the official opening of Kenya’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium with an international friendly scheduled for 5 January 2027.The German giants and Dutch club will meet at the 60,000-capacity venue at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, in a fixture confirmed by both clubs and Kenyan authorities.
The match is expected to attract significant attention across Africa, particularly with England captain Harry Kane among Bayern’s star players. However, the clubs have not yet confirmed their travelling squads for the encounter.
Bayern and Ajax prepare for historic Nairobi fixture
Bayern confirmed that the trip would provide an opportunity to connect more closely with their African supporters and strengthen the club’s international profile.
The Bundesliga champions described the event as an international football festival celebrating the game across the continent. Rouven Kasper, Bayern’s board member responsible for marketing and sales, said the club was looking forward to allowing supporters in Africa to experience Bayern first-hand.
Ajax also confirmed their participation, describing the fixture as the opening match of the new national stadium in Nairobi.
For Bayern, the trip will mark their first visit to Kenya. The match will also form part of the clubs’ preparations for the second half of the European season during the winter break.
Harry Kane and other stars could attract Kenyan fans
The fixture offers Kenyan supporters an opportunity to watch two of Europe’s most recognisable clubs on home soil.
Kane is among the major attractions associated with Bayern, alongside players such as Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz. Ajax also boast a rich European history and a reputation for developing young talent.
However, supporters should await confirmation of the squads before assuming that any particular player will travel to Nairobi.
The match will be broadcast in Germany on ProSieben and through Bayern’s FC Bayern TV PLUS streaming service, according to the club announcements.
New stadium central to Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is a major part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, marking the competition’s return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.
The stadium, located within Talanta Sports City along Ngong Road in Nairobi, has a stated capacity of 60,000. Its opening with a match involving two major European clubs is intended to showcase Kenya’s sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON.
The venue is named after the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose legacy the government is seeking to honour through the stadium.
Tickets to go on sale in November
Fans planning to attend the match will be able to purchase tickets from 5 November 2026, according to the official stadium website.
The venue’s website lists Bayern Munich versus Ajax for 5 January 2027. Supporters should use the official platform for ticket information and updates.
The match represents a significant occasion for Kenyan football, bringing two European clubs with a combined 10 European Cup and UEFA Champions League titles to Nairobi ahead of the continent’s flagship national-team tournament.
Match details
• Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Ajax Amsterdam
• Date: Tuesday, 5 January 2027
• Venue: Raila Odinga International Stadium, Talanta Sports City, Nairobi, Kenya
• Capacity: 60,000
• Occasion: Official stadium opening friendly
• Tickets: Scheduled to go on sale on 5 November 2026