The proposal under discussion is not a miniature version of the World Cup.
That structure matters. For nations that rarely get close to the senior World Cup, this would open a door to a genuine global stage. It also borrows from youth-sport festival logic rather than elite senior-tournament logic: more access, more games, more visibility.
The update says ’s thinking centered on logistics. A single-site host capable of handling thousands of young players and staff is essential if the tournament is to work as a mass-participation event rather than a conventional finals competition.
That is where Baku appears to fit. Centralizing the event simplifies transport, accommodation and scheduling, which becomes critical when the field is this large and the age group is this young.
The other part of the story is what did not happen. Reports say the tournament had also been explored as a major commercial property, with private investment and broadcast discussions forming part of the wider pitch. That plan now appears to have been shelved.
That change may prove healthy. A U-15 event needs sporting credibility before it becomes a business product. If keeps the focus on access, safeguarding and development, the tournament could become a rare entry point for smaller football nations. The next question is whether the final format holds - and whether the separate girls’ event expected for 2027 follows on schedule.