Baku welcomes first FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™: global impact

Baku has become the first city to host the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™, marking a significant global impact for the sport. Over 3,000 young footballers and officials from 189 nations have gathered in Azerbaijan for the inaugural event. John Gutierrez, President of the Philippine Football Federation, emphasized that the tournament is a historic opportunity for smaller associations, stating that it opens doors for nations that have been previously excluded from the global stage.

The event also underscores FIFA's commitment to extending football development to every corner of the globe, with President Gianni Infantino expressing this vision during the opening ceremony. A key objective of the tournament is to provide a platform for 78 associations, which are participating in their first FIFA world tournament at any age level.

For these countries, Baku offers a rare chance to nurture talent and compete on an international level. FIFA has proposed allocating USD 25 million per member association for the 2027-2030 cycle, which will be instrumental in funding youth and women's football, infrastructure, and long-term development projects. For instance, the Turks and Caicos Islands used FIFA's support to build two full-size pitches, a beach soccer pitch, a futsal court, and a dormitory.

Smaller nations benefit from the tournament's format, which features fewer players and shorter matches, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play and compete. This approach, highlighted by Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, aims to level the playing field and provide a dream opportunity for all participating nations.

The success of the inaugural tournament sets the stage for its annual continuation from 2028, with both boys and girls participating. If access to tournaments and targeted funding remain strong, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival™ could become a model for bringing football development to regions that have historically been underserved.