Baku:The opening ceremony of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 was held at the Baku Crystal Hall, marking the commencement of a historic event. This is the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival for boys, hosted by Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Samir Sharifov, Chair of the Festival Organizing Committee, addressed the attendees, expressing Azerbaijan's pride in hosting the tournament. He welcomed participants from 189 countries, highlighting the honor of young football players representing their nations on the world stage. Sharifov also acknowledged FIFA's initiative and the support of President Ilham Aliyev in bringing the event to fruition.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscored the significance of the tournament in uniting talents from around the globe. He noted the participation of 189 teams and over 3,000 players and officials, emphasizing the opportunity for countries to dream and talents to shine. Infantino thanked the Azerbaijani leadership and organizers for their exceptional efforts in hosting the event.

The ceremony included an artistic presentation, showcasing the flags of the participating nations. The tournament features nearly 1,000 matches, with the Azerbaijan national team set to play its opening match against Timor-Leste at the Baku Crystal Hall.