OMM Newsroom
Two days after the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival began, Baku has become a meeting place for young footballers from around the world. About 1,000 matches are scheduled during the competition, which ends on October 30.
According to FIFA, teams representing 189 of its member associations are taking part in the tournament. More than 3,000 players, coaches and officials have joined the event.
Unlike the senior World Cup, the new competition aims to give young footballers the chance to gain international experience, regardless of the size of their countries or territories.
Matches feature eight players and last 40 minutes
Under the tournament format, teams play with eight players on smaller pitches. Matches consist of two 20-minute halves.
The shortened format allows organizers to stage up to 20 matches simultaneously at the Hovsan Olympic Sports Complex in Baku.
A team’s defeat does not mean immediate elimination. FIFA says that after the group stage, teams are divided into six levels according to their results. All teams continue competing until the final matchday, with the winner of the top level crowned champion.
FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, said the tournament aims to introduce young players to different styles of football and create international opportunities for smaller footballing nations.
Fans from French Polynesia and New Caledonia travel to Baku
For some delegations, the tournament carries significance beyond results on the pitch. According to the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), on October 25, fans from French Polynesia and Kanaky–New Caledonia supported their young footballers outside the Athletes’ Village and at the Hovsan Olympic Sports Complex.
The group said those gathered also highlighted the cultural identities and traditions of the communities.
AnewZ also spoke with representatives of French Polynesia and Kanaky–New Caledonia during their visit to Baku. As part of the visit, the Baku Initiative Group held meetings with civil society and political activists on decolonization, cultural identity and self-determination.
French Polynesian representative Tauhani Leska praised Azerbaijan’s hospitality and stressed the importance of supporting the young footballers: “We are here today to support our team from French Polynesia and Kanaky. We are very grateful to be here. Your wonderful country is very impressive. We are proud of our young players. They are being recognized.”
Azerbaijan beat Timor-Leste 6-0 in tournament opener
The competition officially opened on October 24 with a ceremony at Baku Crystal Hall. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended.
Azerbaijan’s young footballers marked the tournament’s opening with a 6-0 win over Timor-Leste. The report was published by Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC.
Infantino later thanked Azerbaijan’s authorities and football officials for organizing the tournament. According to AZERTAC, he described the opening ceremony as a historic event in a social media post.
According to FIFA, most matches are being played at the Hovsan Olympic Sports Complex. The final matches for the different levels will take place at Baku Crystal Hall on October 30.
FIFA plans girls’ competition for 2027
The 2026 tournament is for boys born in 2011 or 2012. FIFA’s tournament announcement says a girls’ competition is planned for 2027, with separate competitions for boys and girls to be held from 2028.
FIFA’s broader aim is to make international football accessible to more young players, regardless of the size of their countries or their previous achievements. The teenagers competing in Baku have the opportunity to test themselves against unfamiliar opponents, experience different football cultures and represent their communities on the global stage.
