Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger backed the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival ahead of its kick-off in Azerbaijan. The event brings more than 3,000 young players, coaches and officials to Baku for six days of competition across roughly 1,000 matches.
Tournament schedule
The boys' tournament was approved by the FIFA Council in December 2025 and runs from October 24 to 30. Matches will feature an eight-a-side format with 20-minute halves, and qualification games begin before the 30 October finals at Crystal Hall.
Following the boys' event, the maiden girls' tournament will take place in 2027. One report says both tournaments will become annual calendar fixtures from 2028.
Stoichkov's comments
Stoichkov said: "In my opinion, the FIFA U-15 World Cup is fundamental, I always applaud these tournaments because they are young players where they start to grow, start to notice that the future ahead of them. That's why in FIFA every year they are demonstrating that they think a lot more than young players."
Stoichkov said: "Bulgaria is back in an important competition in a time where not many Bulgarian players are in the best teams in Europe. Yes, there are some in Italy, in Germany, in England, but we need even more and this is a tournament where they can grow easily."
Stoichkov said: "Bulgaria has always played many games against Scotland, since the 70s, then during my time. Scotland is always a great reality. I hope and I wish that Bulgaria this time can find a way to win against Scotland."
Stoichkov said: "I hope and wish that the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan will show to the players and to the world the strong commitment FIFA has for youth football."
Wenger's view
Arsene Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, said: "Talent exists everywhere, but young players do not always have the same opportunities to test themselves internationally."
Wenger said: "This tournament is about providing them with that opportunity. By bringing teams from across the world together at U-15 level, we can give players meaningful matches, expose them to different styles and football cultures, and help them learn and develop through competition."
Wenger said: "Football can truly unite the world in a very powerful way at youth level. Bringing young players together from different countries and cultures gives them an experience that goes beyond competition, while also encouraging Member Associations to continue investing in their development."