FIFA Releases Official FIFA Series 2026 Schedule, Indonesia to Face St Kitts & Nevis on 28 March
FIFA has officially released the match schedule for the FIFA Series 2026, to be held during the March and April 2026 international windows. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of a competition designed to broaden competitive opportunities for men’s and women’s national teams worldwide.
A total of 48 national teams, comprising both men’s and women’s sides, will take part. They represent nearly a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations and hail from all six confederations. All participants will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each.
Eleven FIFA member associations have been appointed as hosts, with Rwanda entrusted to stage two groups. Of the 12 groups, nine feature men’s national teams whilst three are reserved for women’s national teams.
Indonesia will also serve as a host nation. Indonesia has been drawn alongside Bulgaria, Solomon Islands, and St Kitts & Nevis in a group that will play its matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta.
The FIFA Series initiative was previously approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022 and aligns with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023–2027. The competition aims to facilitate more meaningful international friendly matches, particularly bringing together teams from different confederations that rarely face one another.
The move is considered important for accelerating the equalisation of global football quality, whilst also providing competitive experience for developing nations.
The 2026 edition follows the success of the pilot edition in 2024. With the official schedule now published, member associations, stakeholders, and fans have a complete picture of the forthcoming series of matches.
More competitive format
Although all matches carry international friendly status, participants have agreed to adopt a more competitive format. Some groups will use a semi-final and final format, whilst others will follow a pre-determined match schedule.
Notably, any match ending in a draw will proceed directly to a penalty shootout without extra time. A champion will be determined in each group regardless of the format used.
FIFA supports this participant-led approach, viewing it as a means to enhance match competitiveness, enrich the sporting experience, and make fixtures more compelling for the public.