The first FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ came to a spectacular close on Friday, 30 October, as Spain defeated Czechia 3-0 in the final at Baku Crystal Hall in the Azerbaijani capital. The striking multi-purpose arena provided a fitting stage for the crowning moment of FIFA’s newest global youth football event.

From 24 to 30 October, Baku welcomed 189 national teams in an innovative 8v8 format. Between the purpose-built Hövsan Sports Complex and Baku Crystal Hall, 932 matches were played and 4,505 goals scored, an average of 4.83 per game, with the highest-scoring match producing 21 goals. Among the participants were 78 national teams making their debut at a FIFA tournament, underlining the event’s ambition to give young players from every corner of the world a global stage.

Almost 3,000 young players travelled to Azerbaijan, with 3,780 players and staff members accommodated in the Athletes’ Village. The journeys told the story of the tournament’s global character: the shortest, from Tbilisi, Georgia, took one hour and 10 minutes, while the longest, from Nuku’alofa, Tonga, required 24 hours of travel.

The format opened the door to teams of every size. All 189 teams scored a goal, a total of 187 of the 189 teams won at least one match, with victories recorded by teams from all six confederations, and 12 teams reached finals across the competition tiers. The tournament also provided a platform for FIFA’s long-term player-development work, with 554 players from 52 FIFA Talent Academies represented.

While it was the Spanish players who celebrated the overall title, the final day saw action completed across the fields thanks to a format that ensured participation for all until the final minutes.

Zambia won the Tier B final, with Belarus victorious in Tier C. Tajikistan triumphed in Tier D, the Central African Republic celebrated victory in Tier E and New Zealand came out on top in Tier F.

In addition, the participating players also voted for three team awards with American Samoa claiming the Distinctive Identity Award, Egypt winning the United By Football Award, and Eswatini capturing the Positive Energy Award.

“As I spent some quality time interacting with the young participants, it served as a reminder of why FIFA brings nations together on a shared platform,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Beyond results, football is about smiles, unity and friendships. The emotions were incredible and everyone was happy to be a part of this special event. We are already looking forward to giving the global football community even more opportunities to showcase their talent and cultures.”

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger said the response to the new formula had exceeded expectations. “Overall, everybody’s enthusiastic about it, so it was a huge success,” he said. He observed that “even the differences between the big countries and the smaller countries [were] not as big as expected”, adding: “The reduced number of players helps a little bit in that, but as well, the intensity of the tournament was very high in every single game.

“This formula cuts the patience that is needed in 11 against 11, because we win the ball (and) you can be dangerous straightaway. That keeps the attention of the fans and makes them enjoy the game.”

Spain and Czechia reached the final after strong campaigns, with Spain defeating Greece 6-2 in the semi-finals and Czechia beating Paraguay 2-0.

“When you organise a tournament, now, you have to ask, ‘Who will be in the final with Spain?’ ” said Mr Wenger. “So, they do something right in the way they develop their players, and we have seen that again today.” He also paid tribute to Czechia, who “were very good as well”. “The Spanish keeper had a great game,” he added. “But overall, Spain had that technical creativity that we know all about now.”

Spain coach David Gordo was delighted with the 3-0 victory. “I feel really happy and satisfied to feel like we’ve achieved what we set out to do and to have helped these players achieve something so beautiful that they’ll remember all their lives,” he said.

“The work carried out by all coaches in Spain in youth categories is excellent, and when players join the national team, they already have a very high level.”

Captain Iván Castellanos said the title was still sinking in. “It’s a dream come true. I never would have imagined a month ago that I’d be here today,” he said. “We’re a tight-knit team, we really are. Everyone gave their all… I still don’t quite believe that we’re champions of the world."

Both the coach and the captain dedicated the title to the victims of a recent train accident. “With great pain in my heart, I also want to dedicate it to the victims of the train accident two days ago,” added Gordo.

“To their families – this is no consolation at all, but I want them to know that they’ve been in our hearts at all times and that we wish to send them all our support and affection from Baku.” Castellanos added: “This title is for Spain, the Spanish people, and above all for those who have lost their lives, and for their families.”

The tournament now has its first champions, and its organisers are already looking ahead. “Everybody’s in love with the tournament; everybody wants to do it again straight away,” said Mr Wenger.

Gordo agreed: “I think FIFA needs to back this format and this tournament, because having these experiences with players from all over the world is priceless.”

For Spain, as the inaugural champions, the tournament will remain a historic achievement. But for all participants, however, the legacy is likely to be the experiences shared: new friendships, unforgettable moments and the reminder that football’s greatest strength lies in bringing young people together.