FIFA has established new international competitive pathways for young players as a core objective of its global football development strategy.
The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together teams from FIFA member associations around the world.
The event is expected to bring together more than 3,000 players, coaches and officials, with nearly 1,000 matches planned.
FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and former Ballon d'Or winner Hristo Stoichkov have backed the landmark youth tournament in Baku, highlighting the value of international competition for U-15 players.
Stoichkov backs FIFA U-15 World Cup as an opportunity for young players
Former Barcelona star Hristo Stoichkov spoke to FIFA ahead of Bulgaria's opening match against Scotland, welcoming the introduction of the tournament.
He highlighted the value of opening the competition to all FIFA member associations, particularly for countries such as Bulgaria that have struggled to qualify for major tournaments.
"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.
"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."
He also stated that he hopes that the world understands FIFA's strong commitment to youth football when they watch what happens in Azerbaijan.
"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.
"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 explains how the FIFA U-15 World Cup aims to widen opportunities
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, also explained the thinking behind the tournament.
Wenger explained that the tournament aims to give young players from different countries access to international competition, regardless of the opportunities available in their regions.
"Talent exists everywhere, but young players do not always have the same opportunities to test themselves internationally.
"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.
"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."
How does the FIFA U-15 World Cup work?
The inaugural competition was designed to be open to all FIFA member associations, with Russia among the teams listed by FIFA.
There have been a number of withdrawals, with 19 countries expressing their clear unwillingness to play in the competition for as long as Russia is allowed, due to their ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Each team is entitled to register 14 players born in 2011 or 2012, and the squad will have two goalkeepers and 12 outfield players.
The games will take place at the newly-built Hovsan Competition Complex and Baku Crystal Hall, with the complex able to host 20 games simultaneously.
Teams will field eight players from the start of games, with rolling substitutions permitted throughout games to allow for more participation from the players.
Games will have two halves of 20 minutes each, and the entire competition will take place between 22nd October and 31st October.
