As India prepares for the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 22 to 31, head coach Bibiano Fernandes is looking beyond the immediate challenge of the tournament. His focus is on giving the young players a strong footballing foundation while helping them develop the confidence and character required to progress at the international level.
Fernandes believes the squad has made encouraging progress during their preparations, with the players working on their understanding of the game and building the physical and mental qualities needed to compete against the world’s best young talents.
A key part of his approach has been establishing a distinct identity for the team. The players are being encouraged to understand their responsibilities in different phases of the game, while remaining fearless in their approach.
“We want the players to establish a clear idea of the way we are going to play both in and out of possession. Our objective is to develop a team that is brave in possession, aggressive in defending, disciplined,” Bibiano Fernandes told the AIFF.
The FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival will also expose the youngsters to opponents with contrasting styles, tactical systems and individual strengths. Rather than allowing those differences to become a source of pressure, Fernandes wants his players to understand the challenge and respond intelligently. That will require the team to remain adaptable while retaining its core principles.
“For us, the most important thing is to have a clear idea of the way we are going to play, but also the tactical flexibility to adapt to different opponents and match situations,” he said.
For Fernandes, however, youth development is not restricted to tactics and performances. Creating the right atmosphere around the players is equally important. He wants them to feel comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions and making decisions, while understanding that mistakes are a natural part of development.
His philosophy extends beyond the football pitch. Fernandes believes the foundation of a successful player begins with the person they become. “First and foremost, focus on becoming a good human being, because character is just as important as talent,” coach Fernandes said.
Bibiano Fernandes message centres on patience, discipline, humility and the desire to keep improving, with the U-15 World Cup serving as an important step in shaping India’s next generation of footballers. India’s U15 men’s team has been placed in Group K alongside Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos and Senegal.
The Blue Colts will play their qualification matches at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, beginning against Laos on October 24 at 11:45 AM IST, with the tournament running from October 22 to 31, 2026. For the young side, the campaign offers a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and take another step towards carrying India’s football ambitions forward.
