Due to a lack of FIFA-approved stadiums in Kenya, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has decided to move their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Burundi to Lilongwe, Malawi.
According to Citizen Digital, an FKF official revealed the development after CAF officials conducted two inspections last month, prompting the federation to seek alternative venues outside of the country.
Malawi’s Ministry of Sports spokesperson, Macmillan Mwale, confirmed to BolaNews that they have been in talks with the Kenyan government about the matter.
Mwale stated that several countries, including Zimbabwe, have expressed an interest in hosting their matches at the stadium.
“The vice president of Zimbabwe was here and he had a look at the stadium,” he said. “Currently, the stadium is hosting the Goshen Women tournament and after the tournament we will close it until June when we will host World Cup games.”
In March, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia competed in a tournament at the stadium with a capacity of 40,000.
After the tournament, Kenya coach Engin Firat and his captain, Michael Olunga, spoke highly about the Malawi people.
“It was my first time to come to Malawi. Its people are always happy, they are always smiling and I have loved my stay in Malawi,” said Firat.
Last year, the stadium also hosted Ethiopia’s matches in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers.
