FIFA’s first U-15 World Cup to be held in October will be open to all member parties, paving the way for Russia’s return.
Published June 25, 2026
Russian teams may be allowed to participate in FIFA events after the world football authority announced that the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in October, will be open to all FIFA member associations.
FIFA banned Russia from international competitions in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine, but lifted the ban from Russia’s U-17 men’s and women’s teams the following year.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
However, the Russian team remains absent from the U-17 tournament organized by FIFA and UEFA, as several European countries, including Ukraine and England, continue to boycott Russia for its continued aggression in neighboring countries.
“While the first round will be open to men’s teams from all FIFA member associations, the second round in 2027 will only include women’s teams,” FIFA said on Wednesday regarding the U-15 World Cup and Festival.
“From 2028 onwards, all member associations will be invited to participate in two separate competitions with both men’s and women’s U-15 teams.”
The U-15 event will open on October 22nd and conclude nine days later.
