By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba - A new chapter in youth football is coming into focus as South Sudan prepares to participate in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.
The tournament will take place in Baku from 22 to 30 October 2026, bringing together young footballers from 191 FIFA Member Associations for a festival designed to give players international competition and a different football experience. But what exactly is the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival?
WHAT IS THE FIFA U-15 WORLD CUP & FESTIVAL?
The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is a new FIFA youth football competition combining competitive matches with a wider football festival. Unlike the traditional 11-a-side format, teams will play 8-a-side football, creating a different tactical and technical environment for young players.
The competition is designed to give young footballers the opportunity to experience international football while playing a significant number of matches during the tournament.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?
The inaugural edition will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 22 to 30 October 2026.
The Hovsan Competition Complex will serve as the main venue, while Crystal Hall will host the tier finals.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY?
The competition is for players born in 2011 or 2012.
Each participating team can have:
- 14 players
- Up to 6 staff members
That means the tournament is built around relatively small squads, placing importance on player rotation, preparation and adaptability.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE FORMAT?
One of the biggest differences is the 8-a-side format.
Matches will consist of: 2 × 20-minute halves
The tournament will also feature a large number of matches, with nearly 1,000 fixtures expected across the competition. Up to 20 matches can take place simultaneously, highlighting the scale of the festival.
HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK?
The tournament is divided into different stages. Teams will initially play a group and qualification stage, consisting of between four and five round-robin matches. Their performances will then determine which tier they enter for the second stage.
The second tournament stage will provide another four to five matches, depending on the team's placement. Importantly, every participating team will continue playing until the final matchday.
SIX PERFORMANCE TIERS
The competition will feature six performance tiers. This means teams will not simply be eliminated after the opening stage. Instead, their results will determine the level at which they continue competing.
The top tier will be Tier A. The winner of the Tier A final will be crowned the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival champion.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR SOUTH SUDAN?
For South Sudan, participation provides another international platform for the country's young footballers. The competition will expose players to opponents from different football cultures while giving coaches an opportunity to assess their players in an international environment.
For supporters, it also offers an opportunity to follow a new generation of South Sudanese footballers as they represent the country on the international stage.
WHAT SHOULD SOUTH SUDANESE FANS WATCH FOR?
Sports Hunter South Sudan will follow South Sudan's participation throughout the competition.
Our coverage will include:
- South Sudan's squad
- Player profiles
- Coaching staff
- Fixtures
- Results
- Match reports
- Goals and key moments
- Photo coverage
- Tournament updates
- Explainers on the competition format
This will allow fans to follow the Young Bright Stars beyond the results and understand the development pathway behind the team.
SPORTS HUNTER EXPLAINS
The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is more than a traditional youth tournament.
With 8-a-side football, short matches, multiple stages and six performance tiers, the competition is designed to give young players repeated opportunities to compete internationally.
And for South Sudan, the focus will be on the young footballers who will carry the country's colours in Baku.
Follow Sports Hunter South Sudan for continued coverage of South Sudan at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026.
This story is part of the Sports Hunter South Sudan educational series explaining the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026.
