Infantino confirms U-15 World Cup with all 211 FIFA nations despite criticism

Gianni Infantino has confirmed the staging of the inaugural under-15 World Cup, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan, despite fierce criticism surrounding his FIFA presidency.

In a video released by the organization, the Swiss-Italian-Lebanese official announced that all 211 member federations would be invited to participate in this unprecedented competition. More than 4,000 young footballers are expected for this event that FIFA presents as a “celebration of youth”. Azerbaijan was designated as host country last June.

“We are going to organize now, this year, for the first time the under-15 World Cup where all 211 FIFA countries are invited,” Infantino said. “We want to make football truly global, everywhere on the planet.”

This announcement comes at a particularly tense time for the FIFA president. Several federations are openly calling for his departure, and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also exerted pressure on the institution. Infantino is also criticized for another controversial project aimed at opening World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

Facing these turbulences, Infantino adopted a conciliatory tone. “Many things have happened in recent weeks and it is important that you hear, that you can also express your feelings,” he said, before assuring: “Overall, it is very positive. I am happy with all the support I receive. What matters is being able to answer these questions in the right way, with a clear conscience.”

A candidate for his own re-election in March 2027, Infantino is clearly seeking to consolidate his record before this vote, relying in particular on the support of smaller federations that this U-15 tournament is designed to attract.