Nepal has been placed in Group D of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026, which will be held in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026. Nepal will compete against teams from different confederations, including Brazil, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, DR Congo and El Salvador.
The inaugural FIFA U-15 event brings together youth teams from around the world in an innovative 8-a-side football format, with the goalkeeper included among the eight players on the field.
Nepal in Group D Alongside Brazil, Tunisia and Three African Teams
Nepal has been drawn into a challenging international group featuring teams representing three different FIFA confederations.
Group D teams:
| Team | Confederation |
|---|---|
| Nepal | AFC |
| Brazil | CONMEBOL |
| Tunisia | CAF |
| Guinea-Bissau | CAF |
| DR Congo | CAF |
| El Salvador | CONCACAF |
The group will provide Nepal's U-15 players with an opportunity to compete against young footballers from South America, Africa and North America.
FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026: Tournament Format
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 will feature an 8v8 football format, including the goalkeeper.
Each match will consist of two halves of 25 minutes, with a five-minute half-time interval.
There will be no extra time. If a match is level at the end of regulation time, the winner will be decided directly through a penalty shootout.
The competition will also feature unlimited rolling substitutions, allowing coaches to continuously rotate players during matches.
14 Players Can Be Registered in Each Squad
Each participating team can register a maximum of 14 players for the tournament.
The squad must include two goalkeepers, while only eight players can be on the field at any one time.
The format is designed to provide young players with more opportunities to participate while maintaining a fast-paced and competitive style of football.
No Team Eliminated During the Qualification Stage
One of the notable features of the inaugural FIFA U-15 competition is that no team will be eliminated during the qualification stage.
All participating teams will receive direct entry into the tournament stage.
Following the initial stage, the competition will use a cross-elimination format, with winners facing winners and runners-up facing runners-up.
This format means teams will continue to compete throughout the event, providing young players with more international match experience.
Nepal's FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
Nepal will play five matches in the tournament, facing Tunisia, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil and DR Congo.
All times below are Azerbaijan local time.
| Date | Match | Time | Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 24 | Nepal vs Tunisia | 9:00 AM NST | 11B |
| October 25 | Nepal vs El Salvador | 8:45 PM NST | 5A |
| October 25 | Nepal vs Guinea-Bissau | 2:30 PM NST | 4A |
| October 26 | Nepal vs Brazil | 2:30 PM NST | 5A |
| October 26 | Nepal vs DR Congo | 8:45 PM NST | 4A |
Match times and pitch allocations are listed according to the schedule provided for the tournament.
Nepal's Historic Opportunity at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
The tournament represents an important international opportunity for Nepal's young footballers. Playing against youth sides from established footballing nations and different confederations will give Nepal valuable exposure at the international level.
The presence of Brazil, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, DR Congo and El Salvador in Nepal's group also creates a diverse competitive environment for the young players.
With five matches scheduled across October 24–26, Nepal will have a busy opening phase of the competition in Azerbaijan.
FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 will take place in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31, 2026.
With 8-a-side football, rolling substitutions, short matches and a cross-elimination format, the tournament introduces a different approach to international youth football while providing participating players with additional opportunities to play and gain international experience.
For Nepal, the tournament will be another major platform for its next generation of footballers to test themselves against youth teams from across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026
1. When is the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 will be held from October 22 to October 31, 2026, in Azerbaijan.
2. Where will the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 be held?
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 will be hosted in Azerbaijan.
3. Which group is Nepal in the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
Nepal has been placed in Group D alongside Brazil, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, DR Congo and El Salvador.
4. Who are Nepal's opponents in the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
Nepal will face Tunisia, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil and DR Congo during the competition.
5. When is Nepal vs Brazil U-15 World Cup 2026?
Nepal will face Brazil on October 26, 2026, at 2:30 PM Azerbaijan time at Pitch 5A.
6. When is Nepal vs Tunisia U-15 World Cup 2026?
Nepal will play Tunisia on October 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM Azerbaijan time at Pitch 11B.
7. When is Nepal vs El Salvador U-15?
Nepal will face El Salvador on October 25, 2026, at 8:45 PM Azerbaijan time at Pitch 5A.
8. When is Nepal vs Guinea-Bissau U-15?
Nepal will play Guinea-Bissau on October 25, 2026, at 2:30 PM Azerbaijan time at Pitch 4A.
9. When is Nepal vs DR Congo U-15?
Nepal will face DR Congo on October 26, 2026, at 8:45 PM Azerbaijan time at Pitch 4A.
10. What is the format of the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
The competition will be played in an 8-a-side format, including the goalkeeper. Matches will consist of two 25-minute halves with a five-minute half-time break.
11. How many players can play in FIFA U-15 World Cup matches?
Only eight players from each team can be on the field at one time, including the goalkeeper. Each team can register a squad of 14 players, including two goalkeepers.
12. Are substitutions unlimited in the FIFA U-15 World Cup?
Yes. The tournament allows unlimited rolling substitutions, allowing players to enter and leave the field throughout the match.
13. Is there extra time in FIFA U-15 World Cup matches?
No. If a match is level after the two 25-minute halves, there will be no extra time. The winner will be decided directly through a penalty shootout.
14. Will teams be eliminated during the qualification stage?
No. No team will be eliminated during the qualification stage. All participating teams will progress to the tournament stage.
15. What is the cross-elimination format in the FIFA U-15 World Cup?
Under the cross-elimination format, winners will face winners and runners-up will face runners-up in the next stage.
16. How many players can Nepal register for the FIFA U-15 World Cup?
Nepal can register a maximum squad of 14 players, including two goalkeepers. Eight players can participate on the field at a time.
17. Which confederations are represented in Nepal's group?
Nepal's Group D features teams from CONMEBOL, CAF and CONCACAF, giving Nepal an opportunity to face opponents from South America, Africa and North America.
18. Is Brazil playing against Nepal in the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
Yes. Nepal will face Brazil on October 26, 2026, in the Group D schedule.
19. How many matches will Nepal play in the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026?
According to the published schedule provided for Nepal, the team will play five matches, against Tunisia, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil and DR Congo.
20. Why is the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 important for Nepal?
The tournament provides Nepal's young footballers with an opportunity to gain international experience and compete against youth teams from different football confederations, including Brazil and several African and North American teams.