FIFA allows Russian football team to compete in youth World Cup

FIFA has decided to allow representatives of all its member associations to take part in the newly created U-15 Youth World Cup in football.

Source: AFFA, Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (the governing body for football in Azerbaijan); FIFA; DPA news agency

Details: The new tournament will take place from 22 to 31 October and will be hosted by Azerbaijan.

Quote: "Following the approval by the FIFA Council last December of a U-15 tournament for boys and girls…, the Bureau of the Council has appointed Azerbaijan as the host of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026. While the first edition will be open to boys' teams from all FIFA Member Associations, the second instalment in 2027 will feature girls' teams only. Building on this momentum, from 2028 onwards, all Member Associations will be invited to participate with both their boys' and girls' U-15 teams in two separate competitions."

More details: AFFA has not mentioned Russia separately. However, DPA reports that the wording on the participation of all FIFA members also applies to Russia.

This will be the first international tournament under FIFA's auspices in which a Russian national team will take part. Russia has been suspended from all competitions since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Background: FIFA President Gianni Infantino became embroiled in controversy the day before. He signed a Russian flag during a World Cup match, although the symbol is banned at the tournament.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.