The President of the Rwanda Football Federation, Shema Fabrice, has announced that Rwanda is fully prepared to successfully host the FIFA Series 2026, highlighting its expected impact on both the economy and the development of football in the country.
Speaking ahead of the tournament set to kick off in Kigali on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Shema emphasized that the competition presents a major opportunity for Rwanda to showcase itself on the global stage through football.
He noted that the country is increasingly using football as a tool to boost its international visibility, adding that having players competing in top leagues such as those in England enhances Rwanda’s reputation.
Shema also pointed out that the tournament will provide a valuable platform for young Rwandan players to demonstrate their talent and potentially secure opportunities at the international level. He stressed that producing players capable of joining top clubs worldwide would elevate both Rwandan football and the country’s global image.
On the economic side, he explained that the tournament is already contributing to growth through tourism and business activities. Several teams have arrived in Rwanda ahead of the competition, staying in various hotels and utilizing local services, which is expected to generate significant revenue.
He further revealed that for many foreign players and coaches, this marks their first visit to Africa, offering them a chance to experience Rwanda firsthand while also promoting the country internationally.
Shema praised the Government of Rwanda for its continued investment in sports infrastructure, noting that such developments have made it possible to host high-level international tournaments like the FIFA Series.
Looking ahead, he said Rwanda aims to host even larger competitions in the future, building on the experience gained from organizing this event.
Confident in the national team’s performance, Shema expressed hope that Rwanda will go on to win the tournament, stating that the ultimate goal is for the trophy to remain on home soil.
He concluded by emphasizing that beyond competition, the tournament is also an opportunity to strengthen Rwanda’s capacity in organizing major international sporting events.