North Macedonia U15 to compete at FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku

North Macedonia's under-15 national team (generation 2011) will take part in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, travelling to the tournament scheduled from 22 October to 1 November 2026.

The competition uses FIFA's new 7+1 format for youth football: seven outfield players plus a goalkeeper. Eligible players are those born in 2011 and 2012. Matches last 40 minutes (two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute interval). The format increases tempo with unlimited ("flying") substitutions, kick-ins taken with the foot, and an offside rule that applies only inside the 23-metre zone in front of the goal line.

Coach Goran Stankovski has named the roster that will travel to Baku. The squad includes two goalkeepers, five defenders, four midfielders and three forwards:

Goalkeepers: Mario Stojkovski (New Star), Maksim Gjorevski (Vienna FC).

Defense: Stefan Arsov (AIK Stockholm), Din Rozhajac (FFM Academy), Ejman Emini (FFM Academy), Jetmir Asani (Vardar), Hamza Zuberi (Skopje).

Match schedule in the group phase

North Macedonia will play five group matches with a chance to advance to the knockout stage. All fixtures are scheduled at the Hovsan complex in Baku:

• Saturday, 24 October — North Macedonia vs Panama, 12:45
• Sunday, 25 October — Chad vs North Macedonia, 10:30
• Sunday, 25 October — North Macedonia vs Kenya, 17:15
• Monday, 26 October — Malta vs North Macedonia, 09:15
• Monday, 26 October — North Macedonia vs Niger, 16:00

The team will use the Hovsan Sports Complex in Baku for all tournament fixtures and preparation. The event is presented by FIFA as an innovative youth festival aiming to speed up the tempo and technical demands of early-age international competition.

Photo: press material from the event