The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival held in Baku is the most successful project implemented by world football’s governing body over the past 120 years, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Axar.az reports that he emphasized that the inaugural tournament brought together participants from around the world and provided them with an unforgettable experience.

“The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was a magnificent tournament. All 211 countries were invited, and 189 of them decided to participate. All of them had an unforgettable experience. Football is for everyone and for every corner of the world. FIFA’s main goal is to give opportunity, chance, and hope to everyone. Every talent should have the opportunity to participate in a world cup. It does not matter whether their country is big or small, rich or poor, far or near. Everyone deserves a chance,” Infantino stated.

The FIFA president noted that the competition was also important for fostering friendship and communication among participants. He pointed out that young footballers from different countries interacted despite language barriers and stayed in the same athletes’ village.

“Even though they did not speak the same language, they communicated and understood each other. They all stayed in the same village. I was there as well and conversed with them. It was wonderful to see 14- to 15-year-old boys radiating joy, happiness, and love to their surroundings. They will carry this sincere experience with them throughout their lives. From FIFA’s standpoint, I am extremely happy. I think this is the best work FIFA has done in the last 120 years,” the head of the organization added.

In the final of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Spain defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 to win the tournament.