EnglishRussia is set to return to international football at youth level after FIFA included its Under-১৫ team in the group-stage draw for the FIFA U-১৫ World Cup & Festival ২০২৬ in Azerbaijan. The decision represents the first major easing of sporting restrictions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২২.
Russia’s Under-১৫ team has been placed in a six-team group alongside Turkey, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Sierra Leone and Sudan. Turkey is the only European opponent in the group.
The inaugural FIFA U-১৫ World Cup & Festival will be held in Azerbaijan, with ১৯১ FIFA member associations represented. Matches will be played in an ৮-a-side format, with two ২০-minute halves on smaller pitches.
Russia’s return to international football is limited to the youth level for now. The easing does not apply to Russia’s senior national team or clubs, which remain suspended from major UEFA and FIFA competitions.
As a result, Russia’s senior teams and clubs remain unable to participate in major competitions such as the European Championship and UEFA Champions League.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on অক্টোবর ২৪ and conclude on অক্টোবর ৩০ in Azerbaijan. Ukraine, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States are among the countries not taking part.
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