Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Playoffs

Fifa schedules Israel v Palestine match for under-15s tournament opener

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Fifa schedules Israel v Palestine match for under-15s tournament opener

Summary

Fifa plans to host a symbolic match between Israel and Palestine as the opening game of a new under-15s tournament in the United States set for September. While the event is not an official Under-15 World Cup, it will invite participation from all 211 Fifa member nations, including Russia, which remains banned from senior-level competitions. Fifa president Gianni Infantino aims to use this match as a means to promote peace through football. Details on the match format and participating teams are yet to be detailed by organizers.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Fifa plans symbolic Israel v Palestine fixture in September
•Tournament open to all 211 Fifa members, including Russia
•Infantino advocates using football to promote peace
•Event not an official Under-15 World Cup but significant
•Details on tournament format remain unspecified

Latest Updates

11:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Fifa plans symbolic Israel v Palestine fixture as opening game of new under-15s tournament

What they're saying

"
Tournament open to all Fifa members, including Russia Infantino wants to use football to promote peace Fifa wants to schedule a symbolic match between Israel and Palestine as the opening game of a new under-15s tournament in the United States in September. Although not an official Under-15 World Cup, the competition will be open to all 211 Fifa members, including Russia, who remain banned at senior level. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Matt Hughes in Miami

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