FIFA includes Russia in inaugural U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan

FIFA U-15 World Cup Russian football youth football Azerbaijan sports sanctions

FIFA has announced the inclusion of the Russian U-15 national team in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from October 24 to October 30, 2026. This marks the first time a Russian national selection will participate in a FIFA-sanctioned competition since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has been drawn into a group alongside Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.

While this decision allows youth players to compete internationally, Russian senior national teams and clubs remain excluded from FIFA and UEFA competitions. The tournament is designed as an 8v8 format with two 20-minute halves, aiming to provide global opportunities for young players regardless of their association's size. The event will feature 191 participating national teams and will include approximately 1,000 matches played across various venues in Azerbaijan, including the Hovsan Competition Complex and Crystal Hall in Baku.

Entities

Arsène Wenger · Azerbaijan · FIFA · Russia · UEFA · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Russia has been drawn into a group with Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · shenja.tv
[DISPUTED] The U-15 tournament will be held in Azerbaijan from October 24 to October 30. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · shenja.tv · ghanasoccernet.com · +1 more
[● 4 SOURCES] FIFA has included the Russian U-15 national team in the upcoming U-15 World Cup and player festival. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · shenja.tv
[● 4 SOURCES] Russian senior national teams and clubs remain excluded from FIFA and UEFA competitions. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · shenja.tv
[● 6 SOURCES] Matches will be played in an eight-a-side format with two 20-minute halves. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · www.maltafootball.com · ghanasoccernet.com · +1 more
[DISPUTED] The tournament features 191 participating national teams. bosnainfo.ba · n1info.ba · ohridsky.com · www.maltafootball.com · ghanasoccernet.com