Peart to use U15 FIFA World Cup and Festival for development

Jamaica’s director of football Andrew Peart says next month’s inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival is less about results and more about laying the foundation for the Young Reggae Boyz’s push towards Under-17 World Cup qualification in 2028.

“The focus is really about using this platform to grant the players additional international experience and also preparing them for the medium to short-term goal of qualifying for the under-17 World Cup, which for this group, will be in 2028,” Peart told The Gleaner yesterday.

His comments came after FIFA released the tournament groupings yesterday, placing Jamaica in Group AB alongside Cuba, the United States Virgin Islands, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Czechia for the event, which will be hosted in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31.

Opportunity for every country

The festival format, introduced by FIFA’s football development department, gives all 191 participating countries and territories an opportunity to compete rather than crowning an overall champion. Matches will be played eight-a-side over two 20-minute halves, with rolling substitutions.

“Not all players or countries have access to the same amenities, but here’s an opportunity for every country to experience the same at this age group,” Peart said.

He explained that preparations began with scouting players in school and club competitions at the Under-15 and Under-16 levels, supported by Talent Development Scheme training sessions aimed specifically at players in the 2011 age group.

Peart revealed that the squad will train together more regularly as they adjust to the unfamiliar format.

“The last time played a format similar to this would have been primary school or prep school, where you play 8v8s or 9v9s,” Peart said. “It’s a new format ... it’s about acclimatising to the format and then using the opportunities to build on your development for next year and the year after in 2028,” he said.

Jamaica have qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup on three occasions: in 1999, when the tournament was held in New Zealand; in 2011 in Mexico, where they earned their first-ever tournament point with a 1-1 draw against France; and most recently in February 2026, when they secured qualification with a 3-1 win over Canada.