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Russia to compete in Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 4:18 PM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

Russia to compete in Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month

Summary

Russia's Under-15 team is set to participate in the upcoming FIFA boys’ Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month, marking the nation’s return to international competition following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both Russia's club and national teams faced bans from FIFA and UEFA after the invasion, although restrictions on Russia's under-17 teams were lifted in 2023. This event will be the first competitive match for a Russian team in FIFA tournaments since the ban. Russia has been placed in a group with Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee has also lifted suspensions on the Russian Olympic Committee, paving the way for potential participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Russia enters FIFA competition for the first time since 2022 invasion.
•Under-15 World Cup takes place next month in Azerbaijan.
•Russian squad grouped with Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Sudan.
•FIFA lifted bans on under-17 teams in 2023.
•IOC lifted suspension on the Russian Olympic Committee earlier this year.

Latest Updates

4:18 PMYahoo Sports — Ukraine calls for boycott of Under-15 World Cup after Russia inclusion
12:18 PMYahoo Sports — Russia to play in first Fifa tournament since Ukraine invasion

What they're saying

"
Ukraine have urged countries to boycott FIFA’s new Under-15 men's World Cup after Russia’s participation was confirmed on Friday. The event in Azerbaijan next month is set to be the first FIFA competition Russia has been involved in since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
— Yahoo Sports