FIFA's U-15 World Cup Proposal Featuring Israel-Palestine Scrapped
FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed a 211-team U-15 World Cup, which was modeled after baseball’s Little League and aimed to enhance the commercial viability of youth football. The plan included an opening game featuring teams from Israel and Palestine; however, it was ultimately scrapped due to the strained relations between the two countries' football associations.
The bid was supported by former Mexican Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodriguez and funded by US private capital, including Eldridge Industries, led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of Chelsea. Potential venues included the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, as FIFA engaged with ESPN regarding hosting arrangements.
The competition concept was shelved ahead of the 2026 World Cup to avoid controversy over the commercialization of youth football and to manage an already packed global schedule. Despite this setback, Infantino continues to advocate for expanding FIFA competitions in America.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Federal Character. Read the original report below.
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