National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) forE450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
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EFA News

ESWATINI CONCLUDES HISTORIC FIFA U-15 WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN IN AZERBAIJAN

The Eswatini Under-15 National Team has concluded its historic participation in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, following an intensive programme of matches that provided the country’s young footballers with invaluable international exposure.

The tournament, which brought together teams from across the world, offered a unique development platform through an eight-a-side format designed to maximise player participation, competition and learning.

Drawn in Group M, Eswatini faced Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Slovakia, Samoa and Thailand during the Group Stage. The young Sihlangu recorded one victory and four defeats, finishing fifth with three points.

The Group Stage results were as follows:

  • 24 October: Colombia 6–1 Eswatini
  • 25 October: Eswatini 1–3 Dominican Republic
  • 25 October: Slovakia 2–1 Eswatini
  • 26 October: Eswatini 3–0 Samoa
  • 26 October: Eswatini 1–4 Thailand

Following the Group Stage, Eswatini progressed to Tier E of the Tournament Stage, where participating teams continued competing to determine their final global rankings.

The Tier E results were:

  • 28 October: Eswatini 3–0 Maldives
  • 28 October: Palestine 4–2 Eswatini
  • 29 October: Eswatini 1–6 Gambia
  • 29 October: Equatorial Guinea 0–1 Eswatini
  • 30 October: Eswatini 1–4 Singapore

Despite facing different footballing styles and levels of competition, the young players gained valuable lessons in adaptability, tactical awareness and competing against international opposition.

For the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), participation in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup represents an important milestone in the country’s football development journey. It provided an opportunity for young players to experience the demands of international football at an early stage of their careers while showcasing Eswatini on a global platform.

Beyond the match results, the tournament offered an important learning experience for the players and technical team, exposing them to different approaches to the game and creating opportunities for individual and collective growth.

The experience gained in Azerbaijan is expected to contribute to the continued development of youth football in Eswatini, reinforcing the importance of investing in grassroots structures, competitive opportunities and sustained player development pathways.

As the young Sihlangu return home, their participation stands as a significant achievement for Eswatini football and an important foundation upon which future youth national team programmes can build.

The EFA remains committed to creating opportunities that nurture young talent, strengthen the national football structures and prepare the next generation of players to compete confidently on the international stage.

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