Unlimited substitutions, kick-ins: FIFA tested three new rules at the U15 World Cup

FIFA tested three new rules during the first U15 World Cup, held from October 24 to 30, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan: unlimited substitutions, throw-ins taken with the feet, and offside limited to the area near the goals. Haiti was among the 189 teams that participated.

The three changes

Unlimited substitutions. Coaches could rotate their players without limit to distribute playing time among everyone.

Kick-ins. When the ball went out along the touchline, play resumed with a pass from the foot, rather than a throw-in by hand.

Offside at 14 meters. Offside only applied within a zone marked 14 meters from each goal line.

Playing above all

Matches were played eight-a-side, in two 20-minute halves, on smaller pitches with full-size goals. No team was eliminated: everyone played until the final day, divided into six levels, each with its own champion. Spain won the highest level by beating Czechia 3-0 in the final.

"At this age, the most important thing is to play," summarized Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, who oversaw the tournament.

These rules only apply to this competition. Their adoption in professional football would require approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the Laws of the Game. FIFA is planning a women's edition in 2027, followed by annual tournaments for boys and girls starting in 2028.

The young Grenadiers finished in 61st place in the tournament.