FIFA Launches Team Awards at U-15 World Cup Festival

FIFA introduced three special team awards at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The awards, which include Distinctive Identity, United by Football, and Positive Energy, aim to recognize teams for their collective achievements rather than individual honors.

This youth competition features 189 teams, with 78 FIFA Member Associations making their FIFA World Cup debut. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the event showcases football's ability to foster friendships and create opportunities across cultures.

The awards will be decided through a peer-voting process, allowing teams to vote for those that impressed them throughout the tournament. The Distinctive Identity Award will honor teams with a clear personality, the United by Football Award will recognize teams demonstrating togetherness, and the Positive Energy Award will celebrate enthusiasm and positivity.

The awards will be presented as trophies at the end of the festival, without medals, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and spirit over results.