Photo: ufa.uz
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have jointly submitted a bid to FIFA to host the 2027 U-20 World Cup, according to a statement from the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA).
“In recent years, thanks to reforms in football across Turkic-speaking countries, improved infrastructure, and growing international recognition, the football associations of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have put forward their joint candidacy, expressing confidence in their ability to host the youth World Cup at a high level,” the statement reads.
Uzbekistan has already upgraded its stadiums to meet international standards and has hosted major tournaments, including the AFC U-20 and U-23 Championships and the Futsal World Cup.
Football expert Alisher Nikimbaev noted on his Telegram channel Futbolium that the U-20 World Cup has never before been held jointly by two countries, though that could change. Organizing a 24-team tournament across two nations presents logistical challenges—particularly in scheduling Round of 16 matches—but he emphasized that “difficult” does not mean “impossible.” One option could be for one country to host four groups and the other two. Azerbaijan, he noted, has already co-hosted EURO 2020 matches alongside Italy, a partner located even farther away than Uzbekistan.
“A joint bid for the U-20 World Cup is not just new for FIFA—it’s nearly the opposite of the last two tournaments: Argentina in 2023 and Chile this September are using only four stadiums,” Nikimbaev wrote. “Since 1997, when the tournament expanded to 24 teams, FIFA has typically required at least six stadiums, with some editions using seven or even eight. If the tournament goes to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, it could be a chance to utilize more than six venues across the two countries. That said, I still believe Uzbekistan could host it on its own—but if a decision was made, it must serve someone’s interest.”
