Baku: Pakistan will face Gambia on Saturday as the inaugural FIFA Under 15 World Cup and Festival begins in Azerbaijan, opening a new route into international competition for young footballers.
The tournament runs until October 30 and brings together 189 FIFA member associations. Pakistan is among 78 participants making their first appearance in a FIFA World Cup competition across either gender and any age category, according to FIFA. That milestone concerns this new youth event, rather than qualification for the senior World Cup.
Pakistan’s opening fixture against Gambia was reported by The Express Tribune.
The competition differs considerably from conventional international football. Teams will field eight players rather than 11, with matches lasting two 20 minute halves. Players born in 2011 or 2012 are eligible.
After an initial qualification phase, teams will enter six performance tiers based on their results. All participants will continue playing until the final day, with a winner crowned in each tier. The Tier A winner will take the overall title.
The structure gives teams further matches against opponents grouped according to their opening results, instead of sending them home after early defeats.
FIFA has also adjusted the playing rules. Players will take kick ins instead of throw ins, while offside will apply only beyond marked lines 14 metres from each goal line. The pitches measure 68 by 47 metres.
Most matches will take place at the Hovsan Competition Complex, with tier finals at Baku’s Crystal Hall. Nearly 1000 fixtures are scheduled across the event.
For supporters in Pakistan, FIFA says matches will be available free worldwide through FIFA+ on DAZN, with live coverage and recordings. Up to 20 streams will operate simultaneously.
The inaugural competition features boys’ teams. A girls’ edition is planned for 2027, followed by separate competitions for both from 2028, extending the opportunity beyond this first tournament.
