Iraq U-15 Football Team Begins Training in Baku
The Iraqi youth squad is preparing in Azerbaijan ahead of their opening match in the FIFA U-15 World Cup.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Soccer
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The Iraq under-15 football team conducted its first training session in Baku, Azerbaijan, as preparations begin for the FIFA U-15 World Cup. Head coach Safwan Abdul Ghani led the full squad through the practice session ahead of their tournament opener.
Why it matters
This intensive training period is designed to acclimate the young players to the specific format of the tournament, which features non-traditional match rules. Successful performance in the group stage is essential for securing a favorable placement in the upcoming competition tiers.
Tournament matches are defined by eight-a-side play with two 20-minute halves. These games will contribute to standings across six performance tiers.
The players
Safwan Abdul Ghani
He is the head coach of the Iraq under-15 football team who leads training operations.
Iraq under-15 football team
This is the national youth squad representing Iraq in international football competitions.
The details
The team, which competes in Group S alongside the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Macau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Egypt, held the session to ready themselves for their first game. Led by coach Safwan Abdul Ghani, all selected players participated in the practice to ensure readiness for the tournament format.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Iraq plays the Cayman Islands in the tournament opener.
October 24-30, 2026: The FIFA U-15 World Cup tournament takes place.
Season Trajectory
The training in Baku follows the specific match regulations set by the FIFA U-15 World Cup. This preparation aligns the squad with the tournament's unique format, where group-stage performance dictates placement across six competitive tiers.
The team faces the Cayman Islands in their opening Group S match on October 24. With group outcomes determining placement in one of six performance tiers, this game serves as the critical initial test for Iraq's advancement prospects.
The takeaway
The team must adapt quickly to the fast-paced, eight-a-side match format to succeed in their group. Focused training sessions are the primary method for players to master these unique tournament constraints before competitive play begins.
Further reading
For more on international youth matches, visit our Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by الخارجية الأمريكية لشفق نيوز: مجاميع مدعومة إيرانياً تشكل خطراً على 4 وتردع استثماراً في العراق.
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