Football

Home page

Football

FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 opening ceremony held in Baku-UPDATED

24 October 2026 20:48 (UTC +04:00)

The opening ceremony of the historic FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival was held at the Baku Crystal Hall, APA reports.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chair of the Festival Organizing Committee Samir Sharifov said that Azerbaijan takes pride in hosting the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival for boys.

“On behalf of the National Organizing Committee, it is a special privilege for me to welcome each of you to the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival for boys. Welcome to Azerbaijan! Welcome to Baku! Azerbaijan is immensely proud to host this inaugural world championship, which brings together national teams from 189 countries. Today, young football players from almost every corner of the world have been granted the great honor of representing their countries on the world championship stage,” he added.

Samir Sharifov emphasized that they highly value this initiative of FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino, as well as the trust placed in Azerbaijan. He particularly emphasized President Ilham Aliyev's leadership and his comprehensive support for the realization of the tournament.

The Chair of the Organizing Committee expressed his gratitude to the partners, organizers, coaches, referees, and volunteers who contributed to the organization of the tournament, as well as to the families and countries supporting the players.

Samir Sharifov concluded his remarks by wishing success to every participant, expressing his hope that the first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will be remembered for magnificent football, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable moments.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of giving every talent in every corner of the world a chance to shine, as well, giving every country the right and the opportunity to dream. “The U-15 World Cup and Festival truly unites the world. For the first time here in Baku, we are bringing together 189 teams, and over 3,000 players and officials from all over the world,” he noted.

The FIFA President expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, his team, and the organizers for the excellent organization of the tournament and the comprehensive support provided.

Following the speeches, the artistic part of the event was presented, with flags of the participating countries brought into the arena.

The first matches of the tournament kicked off on Saturday. The inaugural tournament brings together young football talents from 189 FIFA member associations in Baku. Featuring nearly 1,000 matches, the tournament will see the Azerbaijan national team play its first match today against Timor-Leste at the Baku Crystal Hall.

***20:18

The opening ceremony of the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival has taken place in Baku, APA reports.

The event was held at the Baku Crystal Hall.

The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan. Subsequently, Samir Sharifov, Chairman of the tournament's Organizing Committee, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the competition.

Following the official remarks, an artistic program was presented as part of the opening ceremony. The proceedings concluded with the presentation of the flags of FIFA and the participating nations.

The tournament, which features teams from 189 FIFA member countries, is set to include a total of nearly 1,000 matches.

The competition will run until October 30, with matches taking place at the Hovsan Sports Complex. The opening and final ceremonies are being held at the Baku Crystal Hall.

The Azerbaijani national team will play its first match of the tournament today, facing Timor-Leste at the Baku Crystal Hall.

On October 25, the Azerbaijani team will face Andorra at 12:45 and Australia at 19:30. Both matches will be held on Pitch 10A at the Hovsan Sports Complex.

Our team is also scheduled to play two matches on October 26. Our national team will face Israel at 11:30 and Haiti at 18:15. Both matches will take place on the same pitch.