The Kenya U15 boys’ national team have received an invitation to participate in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from Thursday, 22 to Saturday, 31 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe invitation allows Patrick Nyale’s youngsters to compete on the global stage in the maiden edition of the new FIFA youth tournament, which brings together U15 boys’ teams from FIFA Member Associations.Sources at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), speaking to Mozzart Sport on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Kenya will field a team in the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_9961651##The development also sheds light on the federation’s nationwide U15 talent identification exercise, which has been running over the past eight months.More than 1,000 young players have been identified and assessed by FKF-trained coaches and scouts through talent identification activities conducted across the country.The players have subsequently been registered in the federation’s talent database, creating a structured pool from which future national team players can be identified and developed.Kenya name provisional squad for U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiersFor Nyale’s side, the tournament comes after a disappointing outing at the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA qualifiers in Rwanda, where Kenya failed to make a significant impact.The Azerbaijan assignment will therefore provide the young players with a chance to test themselves against international opposition and gain valuable exposure at an early stage of their careers.FIFA approved the introduction of the U15 World Cup and Festival last December as part of its youth football development program, with Azerbaijan selected to host the inaugural edition.Gillingham coach provides worrying injury update on Harambee Stars midfielderThe first edition in 2026 will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA Member Associations, while the 2027 edition will feature girls’ teams.From 2028, both boys’ and girls’ U15 teams from FIFA Member Associations will be invited to participate in two separate competitions.FIFA said the decision to award Azerbaijan the inaugural event followed an assessment of the country’s sporting and general infrastructure, which can accommodate thousands of young players and support staff in a centralised setting.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962375##Azerbaijan has also been appointed as a co-host of the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup, providing continuity in FIFA’s use of the country for major youth competitions.