Uzbekistan to Co-Host FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027 with Azerbaijan

In June, the national team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi that was enough to propel Uzbekistan into the main draw. It is the first time that Uzbekistan, which has built up its sports infrastructure over the years, has qualified in the country’s 34 years of independence, The Caspian Post informs via The Timesca.

Now Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are celebrating their joint appointment as host nations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027. The announcement was made on Thursday at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Zurich, Switzerland.

“Great News!” the Uzbekistan Football Association said.

“This competition is considered the second most significant men’s national team tournament organised by FIFA, after the FIFA World Cup itself,” said the association, adding that Uzbekistan had gained hosting experience in recent years by staging some big international football events.

Last year, Uzbekistan hosted the FIFA Futsal World Cup, a fast-paced variation of football that is played indoors. Some 52 matches were played during the contest. The cities of Tashkent, Andijan and Bukhara hosted games and tournament organizers received generally positive reviews.

FIFA, football’s governing body, has been helping the Central Asian country to modernize its football facilities by funding pitch construction, floodlight installation and the renovation of a stadium.

Azerbaijan, in the South Caucasus region, is also delighted with the prospect of co-hosting the FIFA event in 2027, describing it as a showcase for its good relations with Uzbekistan.

The decision “is a clear indication of the friendly relations between the heads of state, the policies aimed at the welfare and development of the countries, as well the special attention and care shown to sports in both countries,” said Rovshan Najaf, president of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan.

The two nations have worked to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, agreeing this year to a goal of boosting bilateral trade and investment to $1 billion annually by 2030.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup is held every two years. Argentina hosted it in 2023 and this year’s tournament is currently underway in Chile.