Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan discuss preparations for U-20 World Cup 2027

Rovshan Nadjaf, President of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), met with Ravshan Irmatov, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA), during his visit to Washington for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, AFFA told Report.

The meeting focused on various aspects of organising and hosting the 2027 U-20 World Cup, which will be jointly held by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The sides also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the two football associations across different areas.

The 25th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, originally the FIFA World Youth Championship since 1977, will feature 24 teams in a format emphasising youth talent development. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan's joint bid was selected unanimously by the FIFA Council on October 2, 2025, in Zurich, marking the tournament's 50th anniversary and the first co-hosting by two confederations (UEFA and AFC).

By Khagan Isayev