The Gambia FIFA Talent Development Scheme Academy departed from Banjul International Airport on Monday, 19 October 2026, to participate in the upcoming international competition. This youth squad is traveling to Baku, Azerbaijan, to compete in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. Tournament officials have scheduled the event to take place from 22 October 2026 to 30 October 2026. Players and staff members representing the Gambia FIFA Talent Development Scheme Academy are among the international delegations arriving in Baku for the matches. The academy’s departure marks the start of their journey toward the tournament, which serves as a platform for developing talent within the sport. Participants will remain in Azerbaijan throughout the duration of the competition.
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is scheduled to take place from 22nd October 2026 to 30th October 2026. This timeframe dictates the schedule for all participating international delegations as they arrive and settle into their respective accommodations in Baku. The logistics of the travel were coordinated to ensure that the Gambia FIFA Talent Development Scheme Academy reached the host city well in advance of the opening ceremonies and the initial round of matches.
Squad Composition and Preparation
The squad traveling to Baku consists of 14 players selected from the Gambia FIFA Talent Development Scheme Academy. These athletes underwent training sessions managed by the academy staff prior to their departure from Banjul International Airport on 19 October 2026. Coaches and technical personnel from the GFF oversaw the final preparations to ensure the group met the tournament requirements for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. The team consists of 14 players who have been training extensively to prepare for the intensity of the tournament.
Tournament organizers have confirmed the group stage pairings for the Gambian team. The squad is drawn to compete against five national youth teams in the initial phase of the competition. The Gambian team has been drawn against Cyprus, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Sudan. Gambia will face Cyprus, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Sudan during the tournament. These matches are scheduled to take place between 22 October 2026 and 30 October 2026 at the designated venues in Azerbaijan. The players will focus on these specific opponents as they enter the opening rounds of the event.
The technical staff accompanying the 14 players will manage the daily routine of the team, including recovery sessions and tactical briefings, throughout the duration of the event. By engaging with teams such as Cyprus, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Sudan, the Gambian delegation aims to gain experience in international competition. The GFF remains committed to the development of the athletes as they transition from their academy training to the competitive environment of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. Following the conclusion of the tournament on 30 October 2026, the squad is expected to return to Gambia.
