FIRST CUP

For the first time in its history, the Azerbaijan national football team has won an international tournament and claimed a cup. Victory at the FIFA Series-2026, organised by football’s highest governing body, represents the national team’s first accolade of this level.

Although it may seem surprising, over 115 years of Azerbaijani football there had been no significant success at the national team level until now. Previous tournaments won in Albena, Bulgaria, lacked official status, so the triumph in FIFA Series-2026 is considered the first in history.

In their opening match in Sumgayit, the Azerbaijan team recorded the largest win in their history by defeating Saint Lucia 6–1. In the second match, the Azerbaijani side proved stronger than Sierra Leone. Two halves at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium ended 1–1. Rahil Mammadov scored for Azerbaijan in the 72nd minute. As regular time finished in a draw, the tournament winner was decided by a penalty shoot-out. The players coached by Aykhan Abbasov were more precise, winning 9–8 to become champions. Sierra Leone finished second, with Saint Lucia placing third.

Defender Elvin Jafarguliyev, who plays for both the national team and Garabagh club, was named the tournament’s best player.

Victory as impetus

Aykhan Abbasov, head coach of the Azerbaijan national team, assessed the outcome as follows: “We are pleased with winning this tournament. At the same time, the match gave us clear signals that—there is work to be done. We will prepare for future games. Winning is always gratifying, but our main goal now is a successful performance in the Nations League. This summer we will hold friendly matches with two squads to test our strength. After that, we can discuss team preparation and composition.”

Elvin Jafarguliyev commented on their success: “This victory is not just a result but also a serious source of motivation for upcoming matches. There is confidence, unity, and a desire to win within the team. Our goal is to maintain this spirit and enter future games with the same motivation. With this approach, we can achieve even greater success. If we keep this determination and confidence, we can move out of Division D and at least return to our previous level. We believe in this and are working towards that goal.”

A step towards serious challenges

FIFA Series-2026 is a new tournament mainly held instead of friendly matches. The idea is to assist federations that struggle to find opponents for preparation. Each country faces teams matching its ranking, and matches take place in March during national team training periods.

It must be acknowledged that victory in FIFA Series-2026 primarily serves as a motivational boost. The tournament lacks significant weight and authority in world football. Nevertheless, success even at the level of friendly matches is a positive development for Azerbaijani football today.

Given that only three teams participated, it would be incorrect to overstate the significance of this victory. Winning against Sierra Leone on penalties is not a major feat. However, it should be noted that the opponent was not entirely powerless. The Azerbaijani team, with no experience in major tournaments, ranks among the weaker sides globally, while Sierra Leone leads Baku by seven places in the FIFA rankings. Of course, rankings indicate something but do not tell the whole story.

The tournament provides the team with confidence ahead of the Nations League games scheduled for autumn. After a very disappointing previous campaign, Azerbaijan found itself in Division D, where weaker teams compete. The challenge now is to contend with Lithuania and Liechtenstein and secure promotion back to Division C.

Currently, it is hard to envy head coach Aykhan Abbasov’s position given his limited player options. In recent years, Azerbaijani football development has slowed and competition weakened. Success will be almost miraculous. The Nations League will be a serious test for Abbasov. As a coach without major achievements, he must prove his competence and respond to criticism with results from the national team.