Luxembourg has reached a new milestone in its football history, with its first-ever national team competing at a FIFA World Cup event.
The Grand Duchy is taking part in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, which is currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The tournament has brought together around 190 nations, all eager to test themselves under this new format.
According to national U-16 coach Pol Hansen, this is a historic moment for Luxembourg, even though the team did not have to go through a qualification process to participate.
He emphasised that, aside from the sporting challenge, developing young players is a central focus for the team at this event.
Initiated by FIFA, this new tournament aims to promote the development of talented young footballers from around the world.
The competition in Baku stands apart from standard formats: matches are played with eight-a-side teams, featuring seven outfield players and a goalkeeper, and each game is 40 minutes long.
Several rules have also been adapted specifically for this youth tournament.
For Luxembourg, the experience at this tournament is especially valuable as it provides the chance to play against countries they would rarely meet in traditional international fixtures.
Coach Hansen noted that encountering unfamiliar opponents benefits the team’s progress, and the squad is determined to give their best performance throughout the competition.
Each national team will compete in at least nine matches, with all teams advancing to the main round. Group winners proceed to Group A, while the sixth-placed teams go to Group F.
This structure introduces a "light" knockout phase, where Group A teams compete for places one to 32, Group B for places 33 to 64, and so on.
This means that Luxembourg’s squad will remain in Azerbaijan until the tournament concludes.
The event may also open doors for some Luxembourg players, potentially leading to new opportunities in their sporting careers.
In recent years, the Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) has increasingly succeeded in helping young talent find placements with foreign clubs.
Although the team is preparing thoroughly for the World Cup, the coaching staff are mindful that these are very young athletes, born in 2011 and 2012.
Fourteen players will travel to Baku, accompanied by six staff members, including a doctor and a teacher.
Since the tournament, which takes place from 24 to 30 October 2026, requires players to miss several days of school, measures have been put in place to help them keep up with their studies during their stay.
