…78 of the 189 teams in Baku have never previously played at a FIFA World Cup – men’s or women’s, at any age level
…For many U-15 players, the tournament will include their first journey abroad and their first appearance wearing their country’s jersey
…The new event combines international competition with educational activities, meetings with FIFA Legends and awareness campaigns, placing development and enjoyment at its heart
THUR OCT 22 2026-theGBJournal| When the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ kicks off in Baku on 24 October, football history will be made on an unprecedented scale: of the 189 participating Member Associations, 78 will feature in a FIFA World Cup competition for the very first time.
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, the 78 newcomers represent every corner of the football world. For these Member Associations, the event is far more than a tournament: it is their first opportunity to compete on the FIFA World Cup stage, following earlier editions of the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, FIFA U-17 World Cup™, FIFA U-20 World Cup™, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™.
The teams have arrived in Azerbaijan’s capital motivated and excited for the six-day celebration of youth football. FIFA emphasises that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a U-15 player – fully aligned with FIFA’s philosophy of giving every talent a chance.
“This World Cup/Festival is an amazing and truly ambitious project. It is what FIFA is all about: a global community united around football for all, and especially for the young ones, because they are the foundation of the game,” said Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments. “Can you imagine how many of these young boys will travel abroad for the first time in their lives, wearing their country’s jersey? That is exactly what we are here for.”
Grassi also highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the inaugural edition: “We are very happy with the collaboration of Azerbaijan Football Federation (AFFA); they are committed, as we are, to making this first edition a huge success. We chose the wording ‘World Cup/Festival’ because we’re talking about young players – they are not professionals– and we wanted these days to be a pleasure for all of them. Seeing so many teams arriving and training on the pitches with smiles on their faces is truly already a reward for all of us.”
A new FIFA competition
The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ is a new FIFA competition designed to support the long-term development of young players worldwide. The inaugural boys’ edition is open to players born in 2011 or 2012, with 189 Member Associations confirmed to participate from the 211 invited. The FIFA Council confirmed in December 2025 the introduction of new U-15 festival-style tournaments for boys and girls that will be open to all 211 MAs, as part of FIFA’s ongoing commitment to developing youth football globally.
Girls will have their own edition in 2027, and from 2028 onwards, annual boys’ and girls’ tournaments will be held.
A festival built for development
Every team plays through to the final day: there are no knockout rounds, ensuring that each player receives a high number of international matches. A three-day qualification stage leads into a three-day tournament stage across six tiers, with the Tier A winner crowned FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ champion.
Matches are played in an 8-a-side format over two 20-minute halves, with rolling substitutions, kick-ins and smaller pitches tailored to the needs of young players. Beyond the pitch, the teams will take part in educational activities, meet football Legends and support awareness campaigns.
Baku ready to welcome the world
Azerbaijan offers strong facilities, a centralised set-up and extensive experience in hosting major sporting events. The country is also a co-host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027™.
All teams are accommodated together in one Athletes’ Village. Most matches will be played at the Hovsan Competition Complex, while Baku Crystal Hall will host the opening ceremony and the finals. FIFA and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) are delivering the event with the full endorsement of the Azerbaijani government, whose support has been instrumental in its preparation.
The 78 FIFA World Cup newcomers
Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Estonia, Eswatini, Gabon, Georgia, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hong Kong, China, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, China, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, São Tomé and Príncipe, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands and Zimbabwe.
As the first matches approach, Baku is ready to welcome a new generation of footballers from across the globe. For the 78 debutant Member Associations in particular, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ 2026 represents more than a competition: it is the start of a FIFA World Cup journey – and a powerful reminder that, in football, every talent deserves a chance to shine.-FIFA news
X-@theGBJournal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
