SportsOctober 24, 2026

First-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival kicks off in Baku with an opening ceremony

President Ilham Aliyev and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Baku Crystal Hall — Photo: president.az · CC BY 4.0

The official opening ceremony of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, the first world championship for boys under 15, took place at Baku Crystal Hall on 24 October. President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members attended, together with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

President Ilham Aliyev with Azerbaijan U-15 players · president.az · CC BY 4.0

According to FIFA, boys' teams from well over a hundred national associations are taking part. Matches are played eight-a-side in two 20-minute halves, and each delegation brought 14 players. Azerbaijan's team played its first group match against Timor-Leste at Crystal Hall right after the ceremony.

Stage show at the opening ceremony · president.az · CC BY 4.0

Opening ceremony: flags of the participating nations on the pitch · president.az · CC BY 4.0

President Ilham Aliyev watched the opening of the FIFA U-15 World Cup (video)

Kyrgyzstan's U-15 side is also making its debut on the world stage. Azerbaijan will also co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Uzbekistan in 2027.

Azerbaijan v Timor-Leste U-15 match · president.az · CC BY 4.0

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First-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival kicks off in Baku with an opening ceremony

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