Gianni Infantino shelves plans for 211-nation Under-15 World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned plans for a global Under-15 tournament involving all 211 member nations and potential Disney-themed events.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
FIFA president Gianni Infantino spent the past year engaged in talks with private investors regarding an ambitious 211-nation Under-15 World Cup. The concept aimed to mirror the structure of baseball's Little League, with organisers exploring plans to host opening or closing ceremonies at Disney theme parks.
The blueprint for the tournament was developed by former Mexican Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodriguez. The venture attracted support from private US capital, including backing from Eldridge Industries, chaired by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly. Potential venue discussions even involved the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located within the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.
A significant aspect of the proposal was a planned opening fixture between Israel and Palestine intended as a gesture of unity. However, this element was removed from the final draft following a tense FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where delegates from both federations refused to shake hands, ending any possibility of staging the match.
Ultimately, the project was shelved shortly before the 2026 World Cup. Abandoning the blueprint spares FIFA from further criticism regarding international fixture congestion and the increasing commercialisation of youth football.