Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan submit joint bid to host 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) has announced that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have officially submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027.

The bid marks a significant step for both nations in their efforts to elevate their presence on the global football stage. According to AFFA, the proposal underscores the countries’ shared commitment to developing youth football and enhancing regional cooperation through sport.

FIFA has now launched the evaluation process for candidate nations seeking to host the 2027 tournament. The assessment will involve a review of infrastructure, logistics, and football development plans, among other criteria.

If successful, the joint bid would mark the first time a Central Asian and South Caucasus partnership hosts a FIFA tournament, reflecting the sport’s growing footprint in the region.

Both countries have declared their full readiness to organize the prestigious tournament at the highest level.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are considered fully prepared to host a tournament of this magnitude. A number of stadiums in Azerbaijan already meet international standards, and the country has gained substantial experience in hosting major international events in recent years. These include four matches of UEFA Euro 2020, the UEFA Europa League final, the UEFA U-17 European Championship, and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. FIFA and UEFA officials have previously praised Azerbaijan for its successful organization of these events.

The Uzbekistan Football Association stated that Uzbekistan is fully prepared to host this prestigious tournament. In recent years, stadiums across the country have been upgraded to meet international standards. Additionally, the experience gained from hosting the AFC U-20 and U-23 tournaments, as well as the first-ever Futsal World Cup held in Central Asia, has laid a solid foundation. This futsal tournament was recognized by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as one of the best editions in the competition’s history.

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