Russia allowed to participate in FIFA U15 tournament in October
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 5:57 AM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
FIFA has announced that Russia will be able to participate in its under-15 World Cup and festival from October 22 to 31 in Azerbaijan. This marks Russia's return to international football for the first time since the onset of the war against Ukraine in March 2022, which led to widespread bans for Russian teams. The decision comes after months of discussions, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggesting the previous ban did not yield the intended outcomes. Belarus has also been included in the invitation, which follows calls from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to ease restrictions on Russian youth teams to prevent further isolation. The growing acceptance of youth participation indicates a potential shift in international football's approach to the situation.
- •FIFA U15 World Cup scheduled for October 22-31 in Azerbaijan.
- •First appearance for Russia in international football since March 2022.
- •FIFA invited all member associations, including Russia and Belarus.
- •Gianni Infantino stated previous sanctions led to frustration and hatred.
- •UEFA's Ceferin emphasized the need to avoid isolating young athletes.
- 5:57 AMYahoo Sports — Russia to return to international football in FIFA's U15 tournament
"More than four years after Moscow launched its war of against Ukraine, Russia be allowed to participate in an international football tournament again for the first time in October. All member associations have been invited by FIFA to the new under-15 World Cup and festival, which will take place from October 22 to 31 in Azerbaijan, the football governing body said in a statement on Wednesday.
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