By the 254.ke Newsroom.
Bayern Munich and Ajax will play the opening match at Nairobi’s new 60,000-seat stadium on 5 January 2027, President William Ruto announced on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Both clubs confirmed the fixture the same day. FC Bayern says tickets go on sale on 5 November at talantasportscity.com. No kick-off time or ticket prices had been published as of Thursday, October 29.
What is confirmed about Bayern Munich vs Ajax in Nairobi?
- Date: 5 January 2027, during the mid-season break in European football.
- Teams: Bayern Munich (Germany) and Ajax (Netherlands), described by FC Bayern as the Dutch record champions.
- Venue: the stadium at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road, Nairobi, reported at 60,000 seats.
- Tickets: sales begin 5 November at talantasportscity.com, according to FC Bayern.
- Broadcast: FC Bayern says the game will be shown live on ProSieben in Germany and on its pay-per-view service FC Bayern TV PLUS. No Kenyan broadcaster has been named.
- Not yet announced: kick-off time, ticket prices, squads and any other opening-day events.
What did Ruto and the clubs say?
Citizen Digital quoted Ruto saying that on 5 January 2027 the country would open the stadium “with a historic match.” He said the fixture would be delivered through corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model.
FC Bayern board member Rouven Kasper said the club has “millions of fantastic fans in Africa.” Ajax said on social media that it was proud to face Bayern in the opening match, according to Pulse Kenya. Reports differ on how to describe the game: Pulse calls it a friendly, while Citizen Digital refers to it as the inaugural match.
Is the stadium ready, and what is it called?
Citizen Digital, citing parliamentary updates, puts construction at about 94 per cent, with technical and operational preparations still needed before full readiness. The same report says the venue is Kenya’s first purpose-built football and rugby facility and the first international stadium the country has built since Kasarani opened in 1987. It lists a hybrid pitch, 52 skyboxes, and VAR and goal-line technology.
The name varies by outlet. FC Bayern calls it the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City. Citizen Digital says it was formerly known as Talanta Stadium, while Pulse Kenya still uses Talanta Stadium in its headline. Expect both names in coverage for now.
Why does this match matter for AFCON 2027?
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and the Nairobi stadium is expected to be Kenya’s main venue. FC Bayern framed the fixture as building anticipation for the tournament. The match gives organisers a full-capacity test of access, security and transport before the continental event.
The wider venue picture remains uneven. Nyayo Stadium’s renovation has stalled over a bill, as 254.ke reported in Nyayo Stadium Renovation Stalls Over Sh984M Bill Before AFCON. On the pitch, Harambee Stars face a decisive date in South Africa vs Kenya: AFCON 2027 Qualifier on Nov 13, and the domestic league is covered in our FKF Premier League table.
FAQ: Bayern Munich vs Ajax in Nairobi
When is Bayern Munich vs Ajax in Nairobi?
The match is on 5 January 2027. The kick-off time has not been announced.
Where can I buy tickets?
FC Bayern says sales open on 5 November at talantasportscity.com. Prices have not been published, so treat any other seller with caution.
Which stadium will host the match?
The new 60,000-seat stadium at Jamhuri Grounds, Ngong Road, known as Talanta Stadium and now the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Will Harry Kane play?
No squad has been confirmed by either club. Early coverage mentions Bayern’s stars only as background.
Where can I watch it?
FC Bayern lists ProSieben and FC Bayern TV PLUS. A Kenyan broadcaster has not been announced.
Details are from the club announcements of October 28, 2026. Read FC Bayern’s official statement. This article will be updated as kick-off time and prices are released.
