AFCON 2025
AFC Ajax and Bayern Munich will face each other in a high-profile friendly on 5 January 2027 to officially open the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ajax confirmed the fixture on their official channels, stating they are “proud to announce” the match against the German giants as the opening event at the 60,000-capacity venue. Bayern Munich also confirmed the game, describing it as a special way to start the new year during the Bundesliga winter break. Both clubs were invited by Kenyan organisers.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced the fixture on 28 October 2026, noting that the two clubs, with a combined 10 European Cup/Champions League titles, will provide a landmark occasion. He highlighted symbolic links: Raila Odinga studied in Germany, and the stadium is named after the late former prime minister; Ajax’s famous academy tradition also ties into the stadium’s “Talanta” (talent) identity.
The stadium, built by China Road and Bridge Corporation at a cost of around KSh 45 billion, is designed as a purpose-built football and rugby venue without a running track. It features modern facilities including skyboxes, VAR capability and goal-line technology. It will serve as a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania (19 June–17 July 2027) the first AFCON in East Africa since 1976.
Tickets for the Bayern–Ajax match are scheduled to go on sale on 5 November 2026 via talantasportscity.com. The game will also be broadcast in Germany.
This marks Bayern Munich’s first visit to Kenya and a rare high-profile European club friendly on African soil. The two sides last met in a thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw in December 2018.
