rki.news | Source: Xinhua
WINDHOEK, October 8: The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has announced a 14-player squad for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 22 to 30.
The squad includes two goalkeepers, four defenders and five midfielders and will compete in the tournament’s 8v8 format.
Head coach Woody Jacobs said the final team was selected following an extensive evaluation process involving nearly 60 young players. He said the selected players had earned their places after several rounds of trials and assessments.
Jacobs said the tournament would provide the Namibian youngsters with valuable international experience and an opportunity to play a large number of matches.
Unlike conventional knockout competitions, the Azerbaijan event will allow teams to remain involved throughout the tournament schedule, ensuring continued competition until the final day.
The inaugural festival is expected to bring together representatives from 190 FIFA member associations, with around 3,000 participants taking part.
Organisers have planned approximately 950 matches during the event.
The NFA said the tournament will offer young Namibian players an important platform to develop their skills, gain international exposure and compete against teams from different footballing backgrounds.
Namibia will be among the participating nations seeking to make a strong impression at the new FIFA youth football festival.
