Algeria and Morocco face African tests as U15 World Cup enters knockout stage

The U15 World Cup and Festival moves into its final phase on Wednesday, with Algeria and Morocco drawn against fellow African sides in the League A last 16, while Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire continue their campaigns in League B.

After three demanding days of group-stage action in Azerbaijan, the 189 participating teams have been divided into six divisions according to their initial rankings. Group winners progress to League A, the only section offering a route to the main title, while runners-up enter League B, with the remaining teams placed in Leagues C to F.

Unlike a traditional World Cup, no team has been eliminated. Every selection will continue playing classification matches in its respective division, with fixtures scheduled until 30 October.

Algeria reached League A unbeaten, recording four wins and one draw in the opening phase. Karim Ziani’s side will meet Guinea in the last 16 at 11:30 Algeria and France time, according to FIFA’s official schedule.

The match brings together two of the tournament’s most impressive teams so far. Guinea also finished unbeaten and recorded a 6-0 victory over Singapore. Algeria, meanwhile, already caught the eye by overcoming Argentina and showing considerable attacking efficiency, with Abdelkarim Meharzi among those making an impact.

Morocco will face Cameroon at the same time in another all-African tie. The Lionceaux de l’Atlas enjoyed a perfect group-stage record, including a 7-0 win against Curacao, but Cameroon also demonstrated their ambition by finishing above Senegal in their group.

Six other African representatives will compete in League A. Ghana will play South Korea, Egypt face Albania, Angola meet Czechia and Kenya take on Poland. The continent is guaranteed at least two teams in the last 16 because of the Algeria-Guinea and Morocco-Cameroon fixtures.

Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire both finished second in their groups despite strong performances and will now compete in League B. Senegal’s Lionceaux face Georgia, while the Elephanteaux of Cote d’Ivoire, who produced several dominant displays before losing their final match to Albania, play Kyrgyzstan.

Both matches are scheduled for 09:45 on Wednesday. Victory will end any hopes of winning the overall world title but will keep alive the possibility of lifting the League B trophy, awarded to the team finishing 33rd overall.

Mali, beaten only by Peru in the first phase, face El Salvador. Madagascar play Iraq, Congo meet the United Arab Emirates and Niger take on Turkiye. Zambia will face England, while South Africa play Malaysia.

The remaining African teams will also continue in the lower divisions. In League C, Tunisia meet Namibia, Benin play Cuba and Nigeria face New Caledonia.

DR Congo, who secured their first win only in their final group match, are in League D and will play Mauritius. Burkina Faso face the Dominican Republic, Mauritania meet Zimbabwe and Togo play Burundi.

Although the classification matches are intended to provide valuable playing time and international experience, a genuine world title remains within reach for Algeria, Morocco, Guinea and Cameroon.