BAKU.Football associations that have never appeared at a World Cup at any age level are getting their first experience through FIFA’s inaugural U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.
According to FIFA, 78 of the 189 participating member associations have no previous World Cup appearance, giving the tournament significance beyond its results.
More than 3,000 boys and officials are taking part, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino describing the gathering as an opportunity to broaden access to international football.
“We want to give everyone a chance to be part of a World Cup, and this World Cup & Festival for the U-15 is exactly what FIFA stands for,” Infantino said.
All 211 member associations were invited, with approximately 90 percent accepting the opportunity to participate.
For African football administrators, the event also carries a development message; international opportunities require sustained work in identifying talent and organising youth football.
“For the federations, it means as well they have to work in developing players and scouting players and investing in infrastructure and youth competitions,” Infantino said.
That places responsibility on national associations to build pathways that prepare young players for opportunities beyond a single tournament.
Infantino acknowledged differences in preparation and playing strength among the teams, but said the shared experience remained central to the festival.
“Of course, some are stronger than others some are more prepared than others, but they all enjoy, they all have fun, they all celebrate, not just playing football but being together, uniting.”
He described a programme involving 1,000 games in one week, with players, officials and referees contributing to a gathering intended to combine competition with cultural exchange.
For many participants, he said, the journey itself represented a significant first step.
“For most of these children it’s the first time they travel, the first time they have a passport,” Infantino said.
“They will make friends with children or young adults, young boys from other parts of the world. They are part of a FIFA event.”
While some participants could eventually reach senior World Cups, Infantino argued that the tournament’s value extended to every child involved.
“Some of them will certainly play in World Cups. They might win World Cups as well in future, but all of these boys, they will remember this for their entire life.”
“They will speak about it to their children, to their grandchildren. And it’s important that everyone has the feeling of being part of something big.”
The longer-term challenge will be turning that first international experience into continued development through regular youth competitions, coaching and opportunities at home.