WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's Under-15 national football team has departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, where the young players are preparing to represent the island in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled to take place from October 22 to 30, 2026.
The tournament will bring together youth football teams from more than 191 countries, according to the event announcement, offering young players an opportunity to compete internationally and gain valuable experience against opponents from different parts of the world.
For Curaçao's young footballers, the trip represents an opportunity to wear the national colors on an international stage while continuing their development in the sport.
A Different Tournament Format
Unlike traditional football competitions, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will follow a format designed to provide participating teams with playing opportunities throughout the event.
Matches will be played eight against eight, with two halves of 20 minutes each.
The competition will not feature an elimination system in which teams are sent home after losing matches.
Instead, all participating teams will continue playing throughout the tournament, competing at different performance levels.
This format is intended to give young players opportunities to develop their skills, gain international match experience and face teams of comparable competitive levels.
It also means Curaçao's players will have the opportunity to participate throughout the week rather than risk an early departure from the competition.
International Experience for Curaçao's Young Footballers
Participation in an international youth tournament provides an opportunity for Curaçao's emerging football talent to experience different playing styles, tactical approaches and competitive environments.
Competing against teams from other countries can contribute to the development of young players as they progress through the national football system.
The tournament also offers an opportunity for the players to interact with young athletes from different cultures while representing Curaçao abroad.
For the island's football community, the participation of the U-15 selection reflects the importance of youth development and providing young athletes with international exposure.
Curaçao Encouraged to Support Its Young Players
As the national selection prepares for its matches in Baku, supporters in Curaçao are being encouraged to show their support for the young footballers.
The team's participation is another opportunity for Curaçao to be represented on the international football stage, this time by a new generation of players.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 22, and conclude on Friday, October 30.
Throughout the competition, Curaçao's U-15 players will have the opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate their abilities and represent their country with pride.