Tanzania Football Calendar 2026
The most important dates for Tanzanian football fans: the Kariakoo Derby, the NBC Premier League opener, Taifa Stars qualifiers, CAF club football and the Mapinduzi Cup.
Derbies & Local Rivalries
Simba SC vs. Young Africans SC
10 October 2026
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam
The Kariakoo Derby — the biggest rivalry in East African football.
NBC Premier League Opening
2026/27 NBC Premier League Matchday 1
15 & 16 August 2026
Tanzania
The official openers: Namungo vs. Young Africans and Kagera Sugar vs. Simba, marking the start of the new national championship season.
National Team — Taifa Stars
Tanzania vs. Guinea-Bissau
23 September 2026
Home
Official continental qualifier for Tanzania's national team.
Madagascar vs. Tanzania
27 September 2026
Away
A decisive away qualifier for the Taifa Stars.
Nigeria vs. Tanzania
11 November 2026
Away
The toughest international test of the year against one of Africa's strongest sides.
Continental & Regional Cups
CAF Champions League Preliminary Round
Mid-August 2026
Africa
Simba SC and Young Africans SC enter Africa's most prestigious club competition.
Mapinduzi Cup
Early January 2027 (annual)
Aman Stadium, Zanzibar
A popular traditional tournament celebrating the Zanzibar Revolution and bringing together the region's best clubs.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kariakoo Derby in 2026?
Simba SC vs. Young Africans SC is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
When does the 2026/27 NBC Premier League start?
The season opens on 15 and 16 August 2026, with Namungo vs. Young Africans and Kagera Sugar vs. Simba among the headline fixtures.
Which Tanzania national team games are coming up?
Tanzania (Taifa Stars) face Guinea-Bissau at home on 23 September 2026, travel to Madagascar on 27 September 2026, and visit Nigeria on 11 November 2026.
What continental competitions will Simba and Yanga play in 2026?
Both clubs are expected to enter the CAF Champions League preliminary round in mid-August 2026.
What is the Mapinduzi Cup?
The Mapinduzi Cup is an annual tournament held in early January in Zanzibar to celebrate the Zanzibar Revolution, featuring top clubs from the region.