Cymru will make history this month as they travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to compete in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, taking place on 24-30 October.
The competition will bring together 191 countries with over 3,000 participants competing in 950 matches, providing young players with a unique opportunity to gain international experience against opposition from around the world. Players born in 2011-2012 are eligible to play in this year’s tournament.
Cymru have been drawn in Group G alongside Portugal, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Burundi and Fiji, with five initial group stage matches scheduled across three match days.
Drew Sherman’s side will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on Saturday 24 October, before facing Indonesia and Burundi in a double-header on Sunday 25 October. Their final two group fixtures will take place on Monday 26 October against Fiji and Portugal.
The tournament will introduce an eight-a-side format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves with rolling substitutions. The use of smaller teams and playing areas is intended to maximise player involvement, increased touches and decision-making opportunities. Teams are permitted to name squads of 14 players.
The opening qualification stage will see teams compete in 32 groups, with results determining their placement in the tournament’s second phase.
Teams will then be divided into six “performance tiers” – based on their results in the qualification stage – for the matches between 28 and 30 October. Every nation will continue competing, with the winners of Tier A crowned champions on the final day.
The majority of fixtures and Opening Ceremony will take place at the Hovsam Competition Complex, with the tier finals taking place at Baku’s Crystal Hall.
Matches will be available to watch live on FIFA+ and updates from each matchday will be posted on Cymru’s social media platforms.
Cymru’s Group G Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Kick-off Time |
| Sat 24 October | Cymru v Bangladesh | 9:00am (6:00am BST) |
| Sun 25 October | Cymru v Indonesia | 2:30pm (11:30am GMT) |
| Sun 25 October | Cymru v Burundi | 8:45pm (4:45pm GMT) |
| Mon 26 October | Fiji v Cymru | 2:30pm (10:30am GMT) |
| Mon 26 October | Portugal v Cymru | 8:45pm (4:45pm GMT) |
Cymru Squad: Leo FOLLEY (Cheltenham Town), Daniel WHITEHEAD (Fulham), Leo SAXON (Wrexham), Dylan EVANS (Brentford), Oliver JENNINGS (Wrexham), Jimmy ROGERSON (Stoke City), Jacinto MORONEY-JANOTA (Swansea City), Llewelyn GREGSON (Swansea City), Ifan HARDING (Swansea City), Harvey ANCHORS (Bristol City), Dayton JEREMY (Cardiff City), Zak CHERIFI (Tottenham Hotspur), Sergeant MORENO (Cardiff City), James ELEY (Cardiff City).
