{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

FIFA clears Russian teams for U-15 World Cups

The 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup will be hosted by Azerbaijan, taking place from October 22-31, 2026

© Stu Forster/ Getty Images

GENEVA, June 25. /TASS/. The world’s governing body of football, FIFA, has cleared Russia’s U-15 boys and girls’ teams to participate in youth world championships, the FIFA press office said in a statement on Thursday.

"Following the approval by the FIFA Council last December of a U-15 tournament for boys and girls as part of FIFA’s unwavering commitment to promoting the youth game, the Bureau of the Council has appointed Azerbaijan as the host of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026," the statement reads.

"While the first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA Member Associations, the second instalment in 2027 will feature girls’ teams only. Building on this momentum, from 2028 onwards, all Member Associations will be invited to participate with both their boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in two separate competitions," the statement added.

According to the DPA news agency, the wording indicating that all FIFA members can participate in the tournament also applies to Russia.

The 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup will be hosted by Azerbaijan, taking place from October 22-31, 2026.

Russia’s football ban

The world’s governing football body, FIFA, announced on February 28, 2022, that the Russian national team and all professional clubs representing the country were barred from participating in FIFA tournaments.

In turn, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) made a similar decision regarding the Russian national football team’s participation in UEFA tournaments.

Both FIFA and UEFA cited Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine as grounds for their respective bans on Russian teams’ participation in competitions.

Tags

FIFA World Cup 2026

Car rams into crowd of football fans celebrating Mexico’s World Cup match win

The incident took place in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas

Russia to respond legally if oil from tanker seized by Britain is sold — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the issue concerns "the purchase, expropriation, and sale of products" obtained through "piratic methods"

Al Hadath reporter killed in car blast in Yemen — TV

The incident took place in the city of Al Mukalla

At least 32 people killed in Venezuelan earthquake — agency

According to acting President Delcy Rodriguez, rescue workers from other countries will arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours

Ukrainian army loses first BRAWLR anti-aircraft missile system in special op zone

Russian servicemen of the Battlegroup North destroyed the system

Lavrov would like to see Russia out of 'half-dead' OSCE, but it's up to Putin to decide

The Russian foreign minister explained that Moscow would not feel "any discomfort" leaving the organization on its own

Russian troops liberate Ivolzhanskoye community in Sumy Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 215 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made surface-to-air missile system in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian aircraft surpass foreign peers — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the new airplanes, MC-21, SSJ-100 and Il-114 "have a very good level"

IN BRIEF: SVR on difference between unfriendly and hostile, West underestimating Russia

Western countries have assessed the sanctions they imposed on Russia as "unable to achieve their intended goals"

Russia, Laos agree on cooperation to ensure biological security

The sides confirmed that the countries share a unified approach to biological security issues

Romanian ambassador summoned to Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Cristian Istrate will be informed of retaliatory measures for the closure of the Consulate General in Constanta

Cuban president accuses US of waging relentless war against republic

Washington is seeking to deprive the country of the ability to meet the fundamental needs of its people, Miguel Diaz-Canel says

Peoples of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine to 'be together again' at some point — Lukashenko

The Belarusian president also stressed that "Russia and Belarus share a common homeland"

US seeks $672 million for removal of Iranian uranium, nuclear inspections — TV

According to sources cited by Fox News, the amount is part of a broader $80 billion supplemental funding request

IN BRIEF: Lavrov's remarks on contacts with EU and faith in diplomacy

According to the Russian foreign minister, the Ukrainian conflict can still be resolved through political and diplomatic means

Moscow establishes BARS volunteer formation

BARS-Moscow volunteers practice the full cycle of field operations under near-combat conditions

Perpetrators of attack on bus carrying kids identified, wanted — Investigative Committee

The perpetrators will be arrested in absentia soon

Parameters of potential agreement with Ukraine outlined by Moscow — Ukraine’s ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov added that now the ball is in the West’s court

UK, Italy, Poland, France, Germany announce intention to bring Ukraine closer to NATO

According to a joint statement, the E5 leaders "reiterate their commitment to deepening NATO’s partnership with Ukraine"

White House requests $87.6 billion from Congress for war with Iran, other needs — TV

The document said that the Pentagon needs $21 billion to purchase ammunition and bolster the US industrial base

France captures alleged Russian shadow tanker off Sicily as UK plans to sell seized oil

The French Navy is now escorting the tanker to an anchorage for additional inspections

Air defense forces shoot down drone flying towards Moscow

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said 20 drones had been eliminated since the beginning of the day

No use talking to ‘vassal’ Ukraine, racism, Western piracy: Medvedev comments

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Western elites retain the ideas of racial and national superiority

Bosnia-Herzegovina reaches FIFA World Cup playoffs for first time

This became known after Brazil defeated Scotland

Ukrainian attacks leave five civilians injured in Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev said the Ukrainian armed forces attacked the Belgorod Region 130 times over the past 24 hours

US disappointed with UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany as NATO allies — Trump

The US president also criticized Spanish authorities as they "don't want to pay anything"

State of emergency declared in Venezuela after earthquake

Caracas’ international airport has been closed due to damage

Massive damage done by earthquake in Venezuela — radio

According to a correspondent for Radio Caracol, such massive damage hasn't been recorded in the country in more than 40 years

Liberation of Ivolzhanskoye in Sumy Region expands security zone along Russian border

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on June 24 that its Battlegroup North units "gained control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye"

West left Russia no option but special military operation — Italian expert

Sandro Teti expressed regret that the security proposals that Russia put forward in 2021 were disregarded by the West

At least five people injured in powerful earthquake in Japan

The casualties were reported from the Iwate and Aomori prefectures

Medvedev outlines options for regime change in Kiev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman emphasized that legitimate government institutions were crucial

Kremlin briefing covers removal of Russian apps from App Store, US mediation on Ukraine

Russia highly appreciates and is grateful for US mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov said

Ukrainian attack on Voronezh on June 22 kills six people — governor

Alexander Gusev said the total number of casualties currently stands at 68

Russia’s modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft makes debut flight at 600 km/h speed

Rostec reported that flight plan was implemented in full and there are no issues with the aircraft

Russia, Thailand to move to using national currencies in trade — expert

Executive Director of the Russian-Thai Business Council Vladimir Kovalyov says the countries have already established the necessary mechanisms

Putin discusses domestic security, relations with neighbors with Security Council

The speakers at the meeting were FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov and Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev

Rubio’s statements threaten to derail Iran deal — source

According to the source, the Iranians are increasingly suspicious that a sort of division of labor is taking place within the US administration, aimed at pressuring Iran to participate in "parallel negotiations"

Rubio believes no final agreements reached in Anchorage

According to the US state secretary, there was "a proposal" in Alaska

Bees on planet dying out for unknown reasons — scientist

Dmitry Boguslavsky says scientists thought that bees became disoriented after leaving the hive. However, even if a colony was confined to the hive with food, water, and the right temperature, all bees still died

Western military bases provide no protection to states — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman added that "in case of danger, personnel of such military bases cares only about hasty evacuation with all their belongings"

US, Iran may revert to status quo in next 60 days — Australian expert

Jane Hardy noted that the initial consequences of the conflict’s settlement are already noticeable in the global economy

Qatar loses chance to reach FIFA World Cup knockout stage

The team was defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-3

South Africa advances to FIFA World Cup playoffs

The team beat South Korea 1-0 and is second in the group with four points

Victory in The Hague secures Russia's rights to waters around Crimea — MFA

Director of the Legal Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maxim Musikhin highlighted that all unfounded demands had been rejected in international arbitration

Italy's visa hurdles for Russians counterproductive — political scientist

Sandro Teti said the number of Russian tourists fell by 95%, and they prefer to travel to other countries

US wants Lebanon to 'secure' its territory — Rubio

The US Secretary of State commented on Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement that the Jewish state does not intend to withdraw its troops from South Lebanon, even if the United States demands it to

US carries out successful test of Golden Dome missile system — top defense official

According to Pete Hegseth, during the test, "cutting edge directed energy was harnessed and the Dynamic Defense Autonomous Defeat system flawlessly and autonomously cued, targeted, and eliminated a multitude of incoming threats"

Lebanon, Israel, US discussing boundaries of ‘pilot zones’ in southern Lebanon

The project of the zones was proposed by the US during the fourth round of talks in Washington on June 2 and 3

Catastrophic consequences for West, Lavrov-Rubio contacts: senior diplomat’s statements

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Russia would not back down from its position that all agreements reached in Anchorage should be implemented

Russian forces penetrate 15 km into Ukraine’s defenses in Sumy Region — expert

Andrey Marochko explained that this became possible after taking control of the settlement of Ivolzhanskoye

Only legitimate authority in Ukraine is its parliament — Medvedev

According to Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, there is no one on the Ukrainian side to negotiate with

Witkoff, Kushner’s visit being discussed, Russia would 'lend them an ear' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia is always open to talks

US tests new aircraft for nuclear weapons trials — media

Fox News noted that NNSA specialists used artificial intelligence and 3D-printing technologies in the aircraft's development

West not not crazy enough to poke Russia into using nukes — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman expressed confidence that every Western politician understood the consequences a nuclear conflict could entail

Russia to promptly consider any Venezuelan request for assistance — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that based on the available information, the number of victims is likely much higher than the figures currently reported by the media

Trump says Iran making 'very big concessions' to US

The US leader made brief comments to reporters at the Capitol

IN BRIEF: Powerful earthquake leaves 164 dead, 971 injured in Venezuela

Two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded within 40 seconds of each other

Russia not to stop on front line to start talks on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled that Moscow had already did that when the sides had reached the agreement in Istanbul

US seeks to buy European section of Nord Streams, resell Russian gas to EU — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister believes that it will be at a substantial markup

Scott Ritter feels responsible for Donbass, Novorossiya residents

The former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst said that he is well aware of the crimes committed by the Kiev regime in Donbass and Novorossiya

Former Polish PM acknowledges Kiev's extermination of Donbass residents after 2014 coup

Leszek Miller noted that it is difficult to say today how many people actually died on the Ukrainian and Russian sides

United Nations, UN Security Council now devaluing — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, it is even more evident that the entire system of international relations is depreciating

Press review: Rutte visits Washington to ease NATO tensions and Trump blocked on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, June 25th

Switzerland beats Canada, with both reaching FIFA World Cup knockout stage

Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1

European allies let US down during Iran conflict, Trump says

The US president added that a proposal of assistance would have been welcome

Russian authorities to contact Apple before responding to removal of apps — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stated that clarifications will be required from the corporation

Russia’s Battlegroup South thwarts Ukraine’s attempt to rotate troops in Konstantinovka

FPV drone operators destroyed enemy vehicles along with the personnel

Venezuela hit by strongest earthquake in 126 years — NYT

The disaster in Caracas 126 years ago killed 21 people and injured 50

Trump says school in Iran’s Minab was not attacked by US forces

The US president added that "there were a lot of missiles being fired at that time"

USGS estimates potential losses from quake in Venezuela at from 2 to 20% of GDP

The US authority also warned about probable high casualties and widespread damage

Brazil, Morocco reach World Cup knockout stage

Brazil tops Group C, with Morocco in second place

Overnight drone attacks on Russia cause casualties in Crimea, spark fire at oil depot

Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea killed two people, including a child

Moldova cannot join EU without Transnistria — former president

According to Igor Dodon, Moldova should also not join the EU alongside Ukraine

US hopes to reach agreements with Iran through constructive dialogue — secretary of state

According to Marco Rubio, Washington believes that it would lead to a positive outcome

'Signs of shift' in US position on Anchorage, dialogue on Ukraine: Ryabkov’s statements

According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow remains committed to the understandings reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska

Medvedev calls for lawfully curbing Western military bases in other countries

The Russian politician noted that these deployments had become a significant factor undermining the collective security system and eroding the sovereignty of states

Merz says ‘time will come to enter peace negotiations’ on conflict in Ukraine

According to the German Chancellor, EU support for Ukraine will not weaken

West tries to destroy systemic integrity of international law — Medvedev

The politician noted that the peoples of the world were moving towards equality and independence "at the cost of enormous efforts through blood and tragedy"

Fico states intention to do everything to keep Slovakia out of military loans for Ukraine

Bratislava is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Kiev, the prime minister added

Investigation launched into von der Leyen over secret chat with Zelensky — newspaper

European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho is examining whether the EC violated transparency rules by refusing to grant the Dutch organization Follow the Money access to the correspondence

Russian diplomat blames Europe for complicity in Ukrainian attacks on Russian children

UN Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Zabolotskaya noted that Germany's defense corporation Hensoldt "openly announced cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers"

Removal of apps from App Store calls Apple’s reliability into question — Kremlin

VK announced earlier that Apple had removed its apps from the store without explanation

Escalation on Ukrainian-Belarusian border and Armenia's choice: CSTO statements

Chairman of the CSTO's Permanent Council Viktor Vasilyev stressed that Armenia's membership in the CSTO would be thoroughly discussed

Moldova, Armenia now facing same scenario as Ukraine once adopted — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, NATO used puppet regimes as a battering ram against Russia

Trump says values Russia, China, Turkey’s non-interference into war against Iran

The US president called the decision "pretty amazing"

Armenia at crossroads and threats against Belarus: Kremlin's statements

Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia, as an ally of Belarus, would always stand by this country in resolving economic issues and repelling various threats

Russian interceptor FPV drones destroy Ukrainian heavy-payload UAVs in ramming attack

The Ukrainian R-18 UAVs were uncovered by radar teams within the Battlegroup West area of responsibility

Ukrainian POW demands 'just punishment' for Ukraine army commanders, Zelensky

According to Sergey Rykov, the policy course being pursued by the Ukrainian leadership is pushing the country’s population to the brink of extinction

Cost of insuring vessels in Strait of Hormuz more than halves — FT

War risk insurance premiums for vessels have dropped from around 5% to 2% of the ship’s value after accounting for discounts, according to the publication

Russian forces expand zone of control near Lyubitskoye in Zaporozhye Region — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the troops have secured positions in its eastern part

Ukraine’s, collective West actions may exhaust all patience — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk said that a lot of Western politicians and Vladimir Zelensky are doing everything they can to bring a nuclear apocalypse closer to reality

US considers charges for passage through Strait of Hormuz unacceptable — Rubio

The US secretary of state claimed that international waterways do not belong to any nation state

Peskov points to trend toward declining role of dollar as global reserve currency

The Kremlin spokesman noted that the foundations of the international economic order are being depreciated

Thailand interested in buying Russian energy resources — expert

Executive Director of the Russian-Thai Business Council Vladimir Kovalyov says Russia is the largest and most reliable supplier of energy resources to third countries

Powerful earthquake rocks Venezuela

A tsunami warning was issued

Russian marathon runner Chekalina sets new world record in Backyard Ultra event

Vera Chekalina managed to run 96 laps covering a total distance of 643.7 kilometers in four days

OSCE becomes focused on stoking hostility between countries, Russian senator says

According to Grigory Karasin, this highlights the need for a broad overhaul of the essence of the OSCE’s ongoing activities

Some European elites hope for Russia’s defeat, collapse — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, the belligerent rhetoric from officials in Brussels, Paris, Berlin, and London stems from this very desire