Archive · 6 Aug 2026
AIFF Picks Bibiano, Ranjit Bajaj for U-15 World Cup
India is getting ready for a brand-new football tournament for kids under 15 years old.
The big football group in India, called AIFF, chose Bibiano Fernandes to be the head coach.
They also chose Ranjit Bajaj, who started a football academy, to be the team manager.
The tournament is called the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
It will happen in October in the country of Azerbaijan.
Every football country in the world, all 211 of them, gets to join, including India.
The games will be played with eight players on each team on smaller fields.
Each half lasts 20 minutes, and each country can bring 14 players.
The AIFF also talked about a new format for the Santosh Trophy, but did not approve it yet and asked for a revised proposal.
They approved their budget and asked some state groups to follow new rules by October 20.
The AIFF appointed Bibiano Fernandes as head coach of India's team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup.
Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj was approved as team manager for the U-15 squad.
The tournament is scheduled for October in Azerbaijan, with direct entry for all 211 FIFA member associations.
Matches will use an 8vs8 format on smaller pitches, with 20-minute halves and 14-player squads.
The AIFF also approved its 2026-27 budget and asked state associations to adopt the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 by October 20.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation (AIFF), which appointed Bibiano Fernandes as head coach and Ranjit Bajaj as team manager for India's U-15 team.
- What
- India's team appointments for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, along with other AIFF Executive Committee decisions.
- When
- October, when the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is scheduled to take place.
- Where
- Azerbaijan, host of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
- Why
- To prepare India's team for its direct-entry participation in the tournament.
- Head Coach
- Bibiano Fernandes
- Team Manager
- Ranjit Bajaj (Founder-Director, Minerva Academy)
- Tournament
- Inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
- Host Country
- Azerbaijan
- Timing
- October
- Format
- 8vs8 on smaller pitches, 20-minute halves
- Squad Size
- 14 players, including up to two goalkeepers
- Participation
- Direct entry for all 211 FIFA member associations