Hristo Stoichkov, Arsene Wenger support inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 6:45 AM
Last updated Oct 23, 2026

Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger are endorsing the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival set to begin on October 24 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The tournament will feature over 3,000 players, coaches, and officials participating in approximately 1,000 matches across six days. Stoichkov expressed that the tournament is essential for young players, offering them vital experience and growth opportunities. Wenger highlighted the global reach of the event, aimed at providing young athletes with international competition and exposure to diverse playing styles. The boys' tournament will run until October 30. A girls' tournament is scheduled for 2027, with both events becoming annual fixtures by 2028.
- •Tournament kicks off on October 24 and runs until October 30.
- •More than 3,000 participants expected in Azerbaijan.
- •Matches will be played in an eight-a-side format.
- •FIFA aims to enhance youth competition and development.
- •The inaugural girls' tournament is planned for 2027.
- 6:45 AMYahoo Sports — Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger back inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup to transform youth development across the globe
"Football icons Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger have thrown their weight behind the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival ahead of Saturday's kick-off in Azerbaijan. The newly created international tournament brings more than 3,000 young players, coaches and officials to Baku for six days of meaningful competition across roughly 1,000 matches.
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