June 25 – Azerbaijan will stage the inaugural U15 World Cup and festival, a brainchild of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the world federation announced.

The FIFA Council Bereau named the Eastern European country as the hosts of the new tournament which Infantino has introduced to further FIFA’s mission statement to develop the game globally.  

FIFA said that the first edition in 2026 will serve to welcome U15 male teams from all of the world governing body’s 211 members. Next year, the tournament will feature only girls’ teams. From 2028 onwards, boys and girls will compete in two separate editions.  

The world federation said that naming Azerbaijan, who will also host the U20 World Cup, will provide “a sense of strategic continuity.”  

To align with the development needs of U15 players, the matches will be shorter in duration and will be played on smaller pitches, while teams will comprise between seven and nine players per side. 

“In recent years, FIFA has stepped up its efforts to boost youth football, the results of which are plain for all to see. We have been very active in promoting youth competitions and development, and this is a natural next step, and a very joyous one,” said President Infantino.  

“Having FIFA U15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world and yet another example of how FIFA reinvests in the game.” 

The competition will take place from 22 to 31 October.  

Azerbaijan has previously hosted the U17 Women’s World Cup. The country also staged the 2019 UEFA Europe League final as well as matches of EURO 2020.  

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue that the Azerbaijani government uses glitzy, high-profile sporting events as a deliberate strategy to distract from internal issues. 

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]