The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival has officially kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan. More than 3,000 players and officials representing 189 member associations are involved, with the boys' tournament running toward its conclusion on October 30.
Opening ceremony in Baku
Gianni Infantino was joined by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony. The FIFA President said: "Football belongs to everyone, everywhere in the world. And for us in FIFA, it is important to give every talent in every corner of the world a chance to shine, and it is important, as well, that we give every country the right and the opportunity to dream."
Infantino also said: "This FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival truly unites the world. We like to say that football unites the world, but for the first time here in Baku, we bring together over 3,000 players and officials from all over the world. We bring together 189 teams from all over the world. We bring together a team of volunteers, of staff members, who are dedicated to live their passion of football, and we truly unite the world."
Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov said: "Today, thanks to the visionary concept of FIFA and President Infantino, teenage footballers from nearly every corner of the globe have earned the ultimate honour to represent their nations on the FIFA World Cup stage. Azerbaijan has been inspired to partner with FIFA in unlocking such an extraordinary opportunity, and we thank FIFA for the trust it placed in Azerbaijan."
Format and schedule
Matches are being contested in an eight-a-side format with two 20-minute halves on smaller pitches. The rules incorporate rolling substitutions and kick-ins.
Every participating nation will play until the final day of the event. A three-day qualification phase leads into a three-day tournament stage across six tiers.
The Tier A winner will be crowned the inaugural champion at the Baku Crystal Hall after roughly 1,000 matches are completed. The majority of the fixtures are being staged at the Hovsan Competition Complex.
Early results and participation
As many as 78 of the nations participating in the tournament had never previously been represented at any FIFA World Cup level. Across the first two days of competition, 279 matches were played, and teams from all six continental confederations had recorded at least one victory in the opening fixtures.
Among the reported results, Algeria beat Argentina 1-0, Moldova beat Uruguay 1-0, India beat Cameroon 2-1, and Aruba drew 4-4 with Croatia.
What comes next
Addressing the players, Infantino said: "My main message is for the players. This is a unique opportunity. You are part of history. This is the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival. Enjoy it!" He also said: "Play with your heart, play with your passion, have fun, play fair, of course, try to win, respect your opponent, respect the game, respect football, and let us all enjoy this incredible moment"
A girls-only edition is scheduled to take place in 2027. The long-term plan is to host annual separate events for both boys and girls starting in 2028.