Archive · 24 May 2025
Bibiano Aims for Regular FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualification
Imagine India's junior soccer team as kids trying to get to a big soccer party (the U-17 World Cup).
The coach, Bibiano Fernandes, wants them to go every year!
He says they need to practice a lot and get better.
They almost made it last time, but lost a close game.
Now, they are the best team in South Asia!
The coach is working hard with the young players, many of whom play with older, professional players to help them get ready.
He believes if they keep practicing and playing well, they can make it to the big party, and then maybe the older players can go too!
Bibiano Fernandes aims to qualify India for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
India was one match away from qualifying in 2018.
India won the SAFF U-19 Championship.
Fernandes is preparing for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
India debuted at the U-17 World Cup in 2017.
- Who
- Bibiano Fernandes, coach of India's junior teams.
- What
- Fernandes aims to qualify regularly for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- When
- The AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers will be held next year. The SAFF U-17 Championship and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers will be held in November.
- Where
- Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh and Kuala Lumpur
- Why
- Fernandes wants India to regularly qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup by investing in grassroots programs and targeting the U-17 World Cup.
- Coach
- Bibiano Fernandes
- Team Goal
- Qualify regularly for FIFA U-17 World Cup
- Recent Success
- Won SAFF U-19 Championship
- Previous Attempt
- Lost to South Korea in AFC U-16 quarterfinals
- Focus
- SAFF U-17 Championship and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers