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By Neto Baptiste
Antigua and Barbuda’s Under-15 team suffered defeat against Burkina Faso in their opening fixture at the inaugural FIFA Under-15 Youth World Cup and Festival 2026, being held at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Azerbaijan.
The Benna Boys found the back of the net twice through Allan Henry in the fifth minute and Kawanie Atherly in the 33rd, but Burkina Faso responded with three goals to secure the victory.
Sinaly Gueye scored twice, finding the net in the second and 35th minutes, while Bassirou Zong added Burkina Faso’s other goal in the eighth minute.
In their second encounter, the young Benna Boys were beaten 4-0 by Lebanon.
Antigua and Barbuda fielded David Williams, Kalvin Wilman, Adryl Lewis, Aaron Alfred, Jaheedi Charles, Tafari Parker, Allan Henry and Tevon Henderson in the starting line-up.
Antonio Richmond, Kawanie Atherly, Cole Garner, Jaariq Roberts, Aiden Isaac and Glenord Ambrose were named as substitutes.
Antigua and Barbuda are among 194 nations participating in the inaugural competition, which features an eight-a-side format introduced by FIFA as part of its development pathway for players in this age group.
The tournament prioritises participation and playing time over elimination, guaranteeing every participating nation at least 10 matches, each lasting 40 minutes, regardless of results.
FIFA is fully funding participation in the competition, which provides young players with valuable opportunities for international experience and development.