Following the FIFA Council’s approval last December of a U-15 tournament for boys and girls as part of FIFA’s unwavering commitment to promoting youth football, the Bureau of the Council has appointed Azerbaijan as the host of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026.
While the first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA Member Associations, the second edition in 2027 will feature girls’ teams only. Building on this momentum, from 2028 onwards, all Member Associations will be invited to participate with both their boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in two separate competitions.
The decision follows a thorough assessment by the FIFA administration and takes into account the world-class sporting and general infrastructure in the host country, which is capable of welcoming thousands of children and support staff in a centralized location.
Furthermore, with Azerbaijan having previously been appointed to co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027, staging the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in the country provides strategic continuity.
Following consultations with the recommended host and taking into account the existing international competition calendar, the Bureau of the Council confirmed that the event will take place from October 22 to 31, 2026.
