The Benin U15 national team participated in the first-ever FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 24 to 30, 2026. The tournament brought together 189 nations and featured a unique format with no direct eliminations, ensuring maximum playing time on reduced-sized fields with eight players per team. Benin's team, led by coach Ghislain Agoli-Agbo, was placed in Group L for the preliminary phase.
During the group stage, the young Guépards played five matches. They lost 3-2 to Qatar, thrashed the Cook Islands 10-0, drew 1-1 with Hong Kong, lost 6-1 to Italy, and won 4-1 against Turkmenistan. With seven points and a positive goal difference of +7, Benin finished third in their group. This result led them to a mini-tournament for teams that finished third in their respective groups.
In the second phase, Benin secured victories over Cuba (4-0) and Nigeria (6-3) in a highly competitive derby. However, they suffered defeats against Scotland (6-0) and Uganda (5-1). The team bounced back in their final match on October 30, 2026, winning 1-0 against Indonesia, with Rivaldo Pérès Mevognon scoring the decisive goal.
Throughout the tournament, Benin played a total of ten matches, achieving five wins, one draw, and four losses. The team's attack was prolific, scoring 30 goals, while their defense conceded 25 goals. Osias Assigbe and Noé Faton emerged as the team's top scorers, each netting seven goals, followed by Kévin Noukpo Nounagnon with six goals.
The final standings saw Benin ranked 71st out of 189 participating nations, just behind France and ahead of Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Togo. The tournament was won by Spain, who defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final. This international experience provides a solid foundation for the development of Benin's football talent.
The team's performance was marked by notable individual achievements. Rivaldo Pérès Mevognon scored four goals, while Benoît Dossou Yovo netted three goals. Gabin Ludovic Dossou Zanvo Adjalala scored two goals, and Baaba Cheihana added one goal to the tally. The team's overall performance demonstrated significant potential for growth and improvement.
The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival offered a unique platform for young players to gain international experience. For Benin, this experience will be invaluable in shaping the future of their football program. The team's 71st-place finish reflects their competitive spirit and sets a positive tone for future international engagements.
Key points
- Benin's U15 team finished 71st out of 189 nations at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival.
- The team played ten matches, securing five wins, one draw, and four losses, with a total of 30 goals scored and 25 conceded.
- Osias Assigbe and Noé Faton were the team's top scorers, each with seven goals.
