This weekend, FIFA inaugurates the 2026 U-15 World Cup and Festival, an innovative event challenging the usual conventions with nearly 190 participating teams, shorter matches, and smaller squads, providing young football talents a unique platform to compete internationally.
Unprecedented Event in World Football
The 2026 U-15 World Cup and Festival breaks boundaries by bringing together young talents from around the globe in an exciting and dynamic tournament. With special rules including eight-player teams, 20-minute halves, and smaller pitches, over 1,000 matches will be held in Azerbaijan. The goal: provide unique opportunities to future football stars.
An Inclusive and Transformative Competition
With 189 teams divided into competitive groups, each team will play between four and five matches in the initial phase, without early eliminations. The new rules allow for up to two matches per day, challenging players to give their best in a high-intensity, competitive environment.
Latin American Presence and Notable Absences
Highlighting football diversity, teams like Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia are gearing up to face rivals from across the world. However, the absence of powerhouses like Germany and the United States, coupled with Russia's presence in a unique context, adds a touch of controversy to the tournament.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Copa Mundial y Festival Sub-15: Un Torneo Revolucionario y Lleno de Oportunidades