Azerbaijan prepares for first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
FIFA says about 4,000 boys from 190 member associations are expected in late October.
Azerbaijan is preparing to host the first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in late October 2026, according to FIFA's September 29 update. The organisation says the boys' competition will involve about 4,000 children from 190 member associations.
The update follows FIFA president Gianni Infantino's meeting with Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev in Baku. FIFA says the visit included the Hovsan Competition Complex, where most matches are due to take place.
The host team's opening group match against Timor Leste is listed for October 24 at Baku's Crystal Hall, following the opening ceremony. The same venue is scheduled to host the six tier finals on October 30.
This is a preparations and schedule update, not a match result or ticket sale notice. FIFA's announcement distinguishes the U-15 event this year from the U-20 World Cup to be co-hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in 2027.