Kenya is set to host the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, bringing together national teams and youth players from five African countries for three days of competition and talent development.
The tournament, scheduled for July 9 to 11, will feature men's and women's national teams from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa, alongside Under-13 mixed teams from the same countries.
The championship marks the third continental NFL Flag event to be staged in Africa, following previous editions in Nigeria in 2024 and Egypt in 2025. It is also the first edition to include separate men's and women's national team competitions.
The event has been organised by the National Football League (NFL) in partnership with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and with support from the Kenyan Federation of American Football (KFAF).
NFL Senior Vice President for Global Flag Football Brian Flinn said the championship reflects the rapid growth of flag football across Africa.
"It's been inspiring to watch flag football take off across the continent. This event brings together the very best players alongside the next generation of talent from five countries, showcasing the pathways that exist for athletes to compete at the grassroots level all the way to representing their countries in international competitions," Flinn said.
Alongside the championship, the tournament will include a U13 youth competition, with each participating nation fielding a squad of 10 players, providing young athletes with international playing experience.
The final day of the event will also feature an elite talent identification workout, where athletes from across Africa will have an opportunity to showcase their abilities before NFL scouts and officials as part of the league's NFL Africa programme.
The talent identification initiative forms part of the NFL's broader player development pathway, which includes the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme and the NFL Academy, aimed at helping athletes progress to elite levels of the sport.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet said the tournament is another step in expanding the game across the continent.
"IFAF and the NFL have been working collaboratively to accelerate flag football development across Africa, both at grassroots and high-performance levels. This event provides national teams from IFAF member federations with valuable competition ahead of next year's IFAF African Continental Championships," he said.
Flag football is one of the world's fastest-growing sports, with more than 20 million players across over 100 countries. The non-contact version of American football is gaining popularity among young people and women and is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The NFL has increased its investment in growing the sport internationally through youth participation, grassroots development and partnerships with sporting organisations, including IFAF.
The league's NFL Africa programme, led by former NFL player Osi Umenyiora, focuses on expanding the game across the continent through fan engagement, talent identification and flag football development.
According to the NFL, more than 145 players of African descent are currently on NFL rosters, highlighting the continent's growing influence on the sport.