President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree to organize the first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in October 2026.
Key facts
- •The tournament is the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
- •The event will be held from October 22 to October 31, 2026.
- •The Bureau of the FIFA Council officially selected Azerbaijan as the host on June 25.
- •An existing organizing committee formed for the 2027 U-20 World Cup will oversee preparations.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on Monday to facilitate the hosting of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026, following a decision by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on June 25.
Tournament Organization and Oversight
The organizing committee, which was originally established on December 15, 2025, to prepare for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, has been tasked with coordinating the preparations for the U-15 event. Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan has been instructed to manage all operational matters required to implement the presidential decree.
Objectives of the Event
The hosting of this inaugural tournament is intended to strengthen Azerbaijan’s position in international sports. Officials expect the event to promote football across the country and further develop the nation's capacity to host major global sporting competitions.
Timeline
- June 25The Bureau of the FIFA Council decided to stage the first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.
- December 15, 2025The organizing committee for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup was established.
- MondayPresident Ilham Aliyev signed a decree regarding preparations for the 2026 U-15 tournament.
- October 22-31, 2026The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is scheduled to take place.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
