South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, officially inaugurated the Juba International Stadium on Tuesday, joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the President of the East and Central African Football Federation, and several diplomatic missions in the country.
Augustino Madut, President of the South Sudan Football Association, described the opening of Juba National Stadium as historic, saying, “This stadium will contribute to the development of football in South Sudan.” He highlighted the stadium as evidence of his commitment to developing the sport.
Madut expressed his gratitude for the continuous support provided by the President of South Sudan and the President of FIFA for the stadium’s construction through the FIFA project. He added that the opening of the stadium would serve as a place for developing talent and reaffirm the commitment to advancing football in the country. “Let’s use this platform to empower our youth, foster a culture of teamwork and discipline, and showcase the unique talents our nation has to the world,” he explained.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit urged the citizens of South Sudan to use sports for development and to elevate the country’s reputation globally. He emphasized his government’s commitment to promoting peace and national unity through sports, stating, “The government will continue to invest in sports, such as sponsoring football and basketball players on the global stage.”
President Kiir emphasized that the Juba National Stadium belongs to all citizens of South Sudan, from Nimule to Renk and from Fakhla to Raja. “This is your stadium. Use it to develop your talents and continue to raise our flag high in the world,” he declared.
Gianni Infantino, President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), hailed the inauguration as a significant occasion for the people of South Sudan. He praised the commitment of President Kiir and his government to developing sports in the country.
Infantino remarked that South Sudanese people should feel proud and happy on this historic day, as the eyes of the world are on South Sudan due to the opening of this beautiful stadium in Juba. He explained that football unites people globally, and in South Sudan, it symbolizes peace and unity. “Today, the eyes of the world are on South Sudan. This stadium is a message of hope to all the people of South Sudan,” Infantino said.
The ceremony featured a match between the South Sudanese national team and Sudan, part of the fourth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The match ended with Sudan’s victory over South Sudan by three goals to none.
The opening ceremony was attended by an estimated 7,000 people and included various entertainment segments. Performances were given by artist Emmanuel Kembe, the ambassador of the South Sudan Football Association, Dynamq also known as Kennedy Ongele Lorya – a United States-based Dynamq South Sudanese reggae-dancehall artist, DJ, and music producer. Other performances were from the Orbab band, and several singing groups.