Bayern Munich and Ajax to open Kenya’s new 60,000-capacity stadium in January 2027

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 mark the official opening of 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 significance 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 delivered through corporate partnerships and a commercial model aimed at attracting private investment and creating opportunities for Kenyans.

Both clubs have confirmed their participation, with Ajax describing the invitation as an honour and Bayern Munich viewing the fixture as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with supporters across Africa.

The match will be a major milestone for the new venue, which is expected to host games during the 2027 AFCON.

Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, marking the first time the three East African nations will jointly stage the continent’s premier international football competition.