World Cup as sign of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan’s rising status  A historic first

In anticipation of the 25th FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to be hosted in Azerbaijan in 2027, President Ilham Aliyev has issued a decree establishing an Organising Committee to oversee all preparations for the tournament.

The decision to host the U-20 World Cup jointly in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was announced by the FIFA Council on October 2, 2025. According to the Uzbekistan Football Association, the joint bid from Baku and Tashkent highlighted recent reforms in the football sectors of both countries, the improved infrastructure, and their growing influence on the international stage.

The football associations of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan expressed confidence in their ability to host the tournament at a high standard. Stadiums in both countries have been upgraded to meet international requirements, ensuring that the U-20 World Cup will take place in world-class venues.

In his November interview with the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA), the President of Azerbaijan, highlighting the positive results of sports cooperation between the two countries, described FIFA’s Executive Committee decision to hold the final stage of the U-20 World Cup in both nations as “a shared historic achievement that will unite Europe and Asia.”

FIFA’s October decision marks the first time the World Cup will be co-hosted by two countries. For Azerbaijan, this builds on its growing experience in organising major football events, including matches of EURO 2020, the Europa League final, the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The achievement also reflects the proactive support for sports by both President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As in culture, sports play a significant role in global geopolitics, making the U-20 World Cup a matter of considerable international importance for both nations.

From a geopolitical perspective, it is important to note the fraternal nature of relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, reinforced by the 2024 signing of the “Treaty on Allied Relations.” This treaty, rooted in the centuries-old historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between the peoples of the two nations, is founded on the principles of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual respect.

The agreement not only affirms close cooperation in foreign policy, defense, and security, but also emphasises support for preserving cultural and educational bonds and strengthening collaboration in science, education, medicine, sports, culture, cultural heritage, and tourism.

Against this backdrop, the joint bid by Baku and Tashkent to host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup reflects the natural outcome of their close partnership and shared vision on the international stage.

In the same interview with UzA, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the joint efforts of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries to form a unified historical, cultural, geographical, and geopolitical space of growing strategic importance. He underscored the fraternal nature and reliable alliance between Baku and Tashkent, noting that a key factor in developing mutual understanding is the “personal, confident, and friendly relationship” between the two presidents. Aliyev specifically praised President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and his consistent attention to advancing multifaceted cooperation.

Notably, Mirziyoyev was among the first international leaders to offer support for the reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. As a result, a school now operates in the liberated Fizuli district, named after the renowned Uzbek scholar Mirzo Ulugbek. Mirziyoyev, in turn, emphasised that “Ilham Heydarovich treats us differently. We truly appreciate this.”

A tangible demonstration of this unique bilateral understanding was the creation earlier this year of the five-hectare “Uzbekistan” Park in central Baku. In addition, one of Tashkent residents’ favourite spots has become Heydar Aliyev Square, featuring a large memorial complex dedicated to Azerbaijan’s national leader.

On the economic front, the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company (AUIC) plans to implement six projects in Uzbekistan, including the construction of the country’s largest international school in New Tashkent.

These examples underscore how cultural and humanitarian initiatives continue to strengthen the geostrategic, fraternal, and allied relations between the two countries. Within this context, the joint hosting of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by Baku and Tashkent in 2027 further reflects the deepening cooperation and shared vision of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on the international stage.

Undoubtedly, hosting such a prestigious event will further enhance the international standing of both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, highlighting them as emerging sporting nations. This underscores the growing influence of middle powers, a category in which both countries are making a notable impact. In this context, the ability to host major sporting events once again reflects the comprehensive development taking place across all sectors in both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.