AZERBAIJAN — FIFA announced that its inaugural U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled for October 2026 in Azerbaijan, is open to all FIFA member associations. This marks a potential return for Russia to international youth football following its suspension in February 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.

The tournament will run from October 22 to October 31, 2026. "The first edition will be open to boys' teams from all FIFA member associations, the second instalment in 2027 will feature girls' teams only," FIFA stated. The organization added, "From 2028 onwards, all member associations will be invited to participate with both their boys' and girls' U-15 teams in two separate competitions."

Belarus is also included in the list of invited associations. FIFA had previously lifted the suspension for Russia's U-17 boys' and girls' teams in 2023. Despite this, Russian teams have remained absent from U-17 tournaments organized by FIFA and UEFA due to boycotts by several European countries, including Ukraine and England.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed support for easing restrictions on youth teams. "Oh, definitely. We have to. Yes... at least at youth level. That ban didn't accomplish anything," Infantino said. He added, "The sanctions have only led to more frustration and hatred." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also called for restrictions on Russian youth teams to be eased; however, a proposal to do so was rejected due to opposition from national associations.

The International Olympic Committee allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Russia's men's professional national team is ranked 34th in the FIFA world rankings, while its women's national team is ranked 27th.