The official opening ceremony of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival was held at the Baku Crystal Hall on October 24.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, their family members, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony.

First, President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their family members met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other guests.

Gianni Infantino presented keepsakes to the head of state.

The opening ceremony commenced with the performance of Azerbaijan’s national anthem.

Afterwards, a video highlighting the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival was screened.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Organizing Committee Samir Sharifov welcomed the guests attending the opening ceremony of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival among boys. He noted that Azerbaijan was hosting this major tournament, bringing together national teams from 189 countries.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan had partnered with FIFA in organizing the tournament, Samir Sharifov expressed his gratitude to the world football governing body for placing its confidence in Azerbaijan. He also expressed his appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for ensuring that the FIFA U-15 World Cup among boys, being held for the first time in history, was organized within the shortest possible timeframe and in accordance with high standards. He also thanked the President for his leadership and decisive support in turning this concept into reality.

In his remarks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the first FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival among boys united the world, noting that more than 3,000 footballers and official representatives were taking part in the tournament in Baku. He mentioned that, alongside the 189 teams participating in the tournament, volunteers and staff members would also contribute to the event’s success.

Addressing the young footballers, the FIFA President called on them to enjoy the tournament, play fairly, respect their opponents, and respect the game.

Gianni Infantino expressed his sincere appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev and the Organizing Committee for bringing the world together over the next seven days. He emphasized that, together with Azerbaijan, they would make history and that the event would be fantastic.

Subsequently, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival was officially declared open.

A video featuring the impressions of team members representing various countries was then screened.

The event continued with an artistic program.

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The head of state, the First Lady, their family members, and the FIFA President watched the match between Azerbaijan and Timor-Leste.

The match ended in a 6–0 victory for the Azerbaijani national team.

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Following the match, the head of state, the First Lady, and their family members met with the players of the Azerbaijani national football team.

President Ilham Aliyev said:

“I congratulate you once again. You have put in a great performance. Every single goal was magnificent, each better than the last. You demonstrated match combinations requiring great skill and professionalism. Therefore, you have brought joy to everyone.

Of course, hosting such a prestigious tournament in our country is a major event. This will go down in history because it is the first such tournament. Until today, football championships of this scale have not been organized. The Azerbaijani team’s convincing victory in this opening match will therefore remain in history forever. Once again, congratulations. You have brought joy to our entire people. I wish you continued success. Thank you.”

The footballers: “Thank you.”