The U15 World Cup and Festival has entered its final phase, with Algeria and Morocco facing fellow African sides in the last 16 of the top-tier League A.

A total of 189 teams have been divided into six divisions after three rounds of group-stage matches in Azerbaijan. Group winners moved into League A, which is the only division offering the chance to win the main title, while runners-up entered League B, with teams continuing down through League F.

Unlike a traditional World Cup, no team has been eliminated. All participants will continue playing classification matches in their respective divisions until 30 October.

Algeria earned a place in League A after an unbeaten opening phase featuring four victories and one draw. Karim Ziani’s side will meet Guinea in the last 16 on Wednesday at 11:30 Algerian and French time, according to FIFA’s official schedule.

The match pits together two of the tournament’s most impressive teams so far. Guinea also went unbeaten, including a 6-0 victory over Singapore. Algeria, who surprised Argentina during the first phase, will need to maintain the attacking efficiency that has been led in part by Abdelkarim Meharzi.

Morocco will also face an African opponent, with the Atlas Lion Cubs taking on Cameroon at the same time. Morocco reached League A with a perfect record, highlighted by a 7-0 win against Curacao. Cameroon also made a strong impression, finishing above Senegal in their group.

Six more African teams will compete in League A. Ghana face South Korea, Egypt play Albania, Angola meet Czechia and Kenya take on Poland. The contests involving Algeria, Guinea, Morocco and Cameroon guarantee that at least two African sides will reach the last 16.

Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire in League B

Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire both finished second in their groups despite convincing performances and will continue in League B. Senegal will play Georgia, while Cote d’Ivoire face Kyrgyzstan after producing several emphatic wins before losing their final match to Albania.

Both matches are scheduled for Wednesday at 09:45. The winners will no longer be able to challenge for the overall world title, but will remain in contention for the League B trophy, awarded to the team finishing 33rd overall.

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

The continent’s other representatives will also continue in the lower divisions. In League C, Tunisia face Namibia in another all-African fixture, Benin play Cuba and Nigeria meet New Caledonia.

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

The remaining matches are intended primarily to provide young players with international experience and further playing time. For Algeria, Morocco, Guinea and Cameroon, however, the world title remains at stake.