Azerbaijan to host inaugural FIFA under-15 World Cup in 2026 as FIFA expands youth tournaments globally

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has officially awarded Azerbaijan the hosting rights for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival,

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has officially awarded Azerbaijan the hosting rights for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival, marking the introduction of a new global youth football tournament.

According to the announcement, the newly established competition for young footballers is scheduled to take place from October 22 to October 31, 2026. The event will bring together national Under-15 boys’ teams from all FIFA member associations, creating a global platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills at an early stage of their football development.

The introduction of this tournament is part of FIFA’s broader strategy to expand youth participation in international football and provide structured competitive opportunities for younger age groups. Officials believe that early exposure to international tournaments will help nurture future generations of professional players and strengthen football development programs worldwide.

In addition to the boys’ competition in 2026, FIFA has also confirmed that the 2027 edition of the tournament will be exclusively dedicated to girls’ national teams. This decision reflects FIFA’s continued efforts to promote women’s football and ensure equal opportunities for young female athletes on the global stage.

Starting from 2028, FIFA plans to formally separate the boys’ and girls’ tournaments into distinct competitions held on a regular cycle. This restructuring aims to provide more tailored development pathways for both male and female youth players, while ensuring balanced global representation across genders in international football.

Azerbaijan’s selection as host for the inaugural edition further highlights the country’s growing involvement in international football events. In addition to hosting the Under-15 World Cup and Festival in 2026, Azerbaijan is also set to co-host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2027, strengthening its position as an emerging destination for major sporting events.

Officials have noted that the country’s investment in sports infrastructure and its experience in organizing international competitions were key factors in FIFA’s decision. The upcoming tournaments are expected to attract significant global attention and contribute to the development of football in the region.

Alongside the youth tournament announcement, the FIFA Council Bureau also approved the regulations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup series. The first edition of this regional competition is scheduled to take place between September and October of the current year.

The ASEAN Cup is expected to further expand competitive opportunities for national teams within the Southeast Asian region, strengthening football development and regional cooperation among member associations.

FIFA continues to emphasize its commitment to expanding the global reach of football through structured youth programs, regional competitions, and inclusive international tournaments. The introduction of the Under-15 World Cup represents another step in broadening the sport’s development pathway and ensuring greater participation at all levels of the game.