FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly explored plans for a huge Under-15 World Cup involving all 211 FIFA member associations, with Disneyland ceremonies and even an Israel-Palestine opening match among the ideas discussed.
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The proposed tournament was designed as a global youth football festival, inspired by baseball's Little League World Series. Organisers reportedly considered using the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, near Walt Disney World, with opening or closing ceremonies at the theme park.
One of the most striking proposals was for Israel and Palestine to play the opening match, with the fixture intended as a symbolic gesture of unity through football. However, the idea was eventually dropped amid difficult relations between the two football federations.
The tournament was reportedly developed with private investors but was shelved before the 2026 World Cup.
The ambitious proposal has nevertheless reignited debate about FIFA's plans to expand youth competitions, commercialise football and create new global tournaments.
For now, the 211-nation Under-15 World Cup remains only a shelved concept, but it shows just how far FIFA has considered taking the global expansion of the sport.