The U-15 national football team has travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival, bringing together 189 countries.

Drawn in Group Y alongside Côte d'Ivoire, Vanuatu, Albania, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Mauritania, Rwanda will use the tournament to gain international experience and assess its young players against different football styles.

Head coach Thierry Hitimana said the competition offers an important learning opportunity, with the experience expected to contribute to the players’ long-term development.

"This tournament is a huge opportunity for these young players. At this age, the most important thing is exposure. They will play against teams from different parts of the world, experience different styles of football and learn what it means to compete at an international level,” he noted.

The team received encouragement from senior Amavubi coach Stephen Constantine before departing for Azerbaijan. He urged the players to represent Rwanda responsibly, stressing the importance of discipline, commitment and good conduct.

Hitimana said the focus extends beyond the tournament, with some players expected to progress to the senior national team in the coming years.

He added that competing against teams from different continents would expose the players to new challenges and help them understand the standards required at international level.

Rwanda will open its Group Y campaign against Côte d'Ivoire on October 24 before facing Vanuatu and Albania on October 25. The team will conclude the group stage against Turks and Caicos Islands and Mauritania on October 26.