Caribbean football nations prepare for FIFA Under-15 World Cup

Football associations in Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados are intensifying preparations for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31.

The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has narrowed its boys’ under-15 training squad from 33 to 23 players. Led by head coach Auchland Jarvis, the group is training at the ABFA Technical Centre to select a final 14-player roster, which is expected to be announced on October 2. The tournament will utilize an eight-a-side format, and FIFA is providing full funding for participating nations.

In Barbados, technical director Philip Marin expressed confidence in the local talent following a showcase of 108 boys born between 2011 and 2012. The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has established a 25-member training squad, including nine players from the recent Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Challenge Series. The BFA is using these preparations to build a foundation for upcoming international competitions, including CONCACAF qualifiers in early 2027.