190 countries in Baku: Why was the first-ever FIFA U-15 Championship awarded to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is preparing to host another prestigious international sporting event. The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival will be held in Baku from October 22 to 30.

TodayPress TV reports that hosting the tournament in Azerbaijan is another indication of the consistent state sports policy implemented in the country, efforts to develop modern sports infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at expanding international sports cooperation.

In accordance with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s Order “On measures related to the holding of the first FIFA U-15 Boys’ Football World Championship and Festival in Azerbaijan in 2026,” preparations for the tournament are continuing on a large scale.

Preparations at the Hovsan Competition Complex, which will host most of the matches, are nearing completion. Around 1,000 matches are scheduled to be held on the complex’s 10 newly built football pitches as part of the tournament.

Around 4,000 young footballers, coaches and officials representing FIFA member associations from nearly 190 countries around the world are expected to participate in the championship.

A few days ago, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Hovsan Competition Complex during his trip to Azerbaijan and inspected the preparations underway. The FIFA president was given detailed information about the tournament preparations, the infrastructure being created, security measures and organizational arrangements.

Gianni Infantino highly praised the extensive work completed in a short period of time and Azerbaijan’s level of preparedness for the tournament.

It should be noted that the new football infrastructure created in Hovsan will not serve only the upcoming world championship. In the future, the complex will play an important role in developing youth and junior football in Azerbaijan, identifying young talent and preparing them for professional football.

Azerbaijan’s modern sports infrastructure, safe and stable environment, and extensive experience in hosting international competitions provide favorable conditions for organizing large-scale events at a high level.

Hosting the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival in Baku is particularly important for expanding Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the international football community, developing youth football and increasing young people’s interest in sport.

It should be recalled that the opening match and the final of the FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival will be held at the Baku Crystal Hall.