Harry Kane and Bayern Munich head to Africa for major football event
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane could be among the football stars heading to Africa when the German giants face Ajax Amsterdam in Kenya on 5 January 2027. The European heavyweights will meet in Nairobi to officially open the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, giving Kenyan supporters an opportunity to watch two prominent European clubs on home soil.
According to Bayern Munich's official announcement, the fixture will form part of an international football celebration ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern's board member for marketing and sales, said the club had a strong connection with its African supporters.
"FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection. It's a continent with a huge passion for football," Kasper said.
Harry Kane headlines Bayern Munich's visit Kane, who won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or, is among the star players fans will hope to see in action when Bayern travel to Kenya. The England captain joined the Bundesliga club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 and has established himself as one of its leading attacking players.
Other prominent Bayern players include midfielder Jamal Musiala, winger Michael Olise and Germany international Joshua Kimmich. However, the final squad for the January friendly has not been confirmed.
The match will also mark Bayern Munich's first-ever visit to Kenya, according to the Bundesliga's official website. Bayern have won the European Cup or UEFA Champions League six times, while Ajax have lifted the prestigious trophy four times.
Their meeting will bring together two clubs with a combined 10 European titles. Harry Kane and Bayern Munich set for new stadium opening The match will be staged at the 60 000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, one of Kenya's flagship sporting infrastructure projects.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced the fixture as part of the country's efforts to attract major international sporting events and showcase its new facilities. Bayern said the event would strengthen its relationship with its African supporters and give fans an opportunity to experience the club in person.
The stadium is being prepared for AFCON 2027, which will run from 19 June to 17 July. The tournament will be the first edition hosted jointly by three countries and will return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.