Bibiano Fernandes accepts AIFF offer to coach India U-15 team for FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026

The former India U-17 coach will lead the national team at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

Bibiano Fernandes has accepted the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) offer to become the head coach of the India U-15 men’s team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan later this year and will bring together all 211 FIFA member associations. India will compete in the unique eight-a-side competition, which will be played on customised smaller pitches.

The development comes after uncertainty over the coaching and management structure of the team. The AIFF Executive Committee had earlier approved Bibiano’s appointment as head coach, while Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj was named manager.

Bibiano Fernandes agrees to take charge of India U-15

Bibiano was the preferred choice of the AIFF Technical Committee for the position. However, his appointment had initially remained uncertain because of concerns surrounding the team’s management structure.

The former India midfielder was understood to have reservations about working alongside Bajaj. The concern was reportedly linked to the possibility of differences in their footballing philosophies and potential interference in sporting decisions.

However, those concerns have now been addressed.

According to a report by the Times of India, the roles and responsibilities of the head coach and manager have been clearly outlined in their respective contracts. As a result, Bibiano has agreed to take charge of the side.

A senior AIFF official explained the division of responsibilities while speaking to TOI.

“The coaching and selection will be done entirely by the coach. There is no scope for interference from anyone. The manager’s role has also been defined. It’s a typical manager’s position, like at the club, an administrative role.”

The clarification effectively gives Bibiano complete control over footballing and selection matters.

Ranjit Bajaj had earlier rejected the manager’s role

Bajaj’s appointment had created considerable discussion after the AIFF announced him as the team manager alongside Bibiano.

The Minerva Academy owner initially said he was not keen to accept the position. He argued that his approach to the game was different from Bibiano’s and that having two people with contrasting philosophies could affect the team.

Bajaj had also questioned the manner in which the AIFF made the appointments. He later explained that his objection was not directed at Bibiano personally. Bajaj also described the difference between the two approaches.

“You people (AIFF) appointed me and Bibiano (Fernandes) together. I don’t have any problems with Bibiano but I have a problem because of different playing styles and different visions.”

“From low block defensive style to high press attacking style, getting into opposition territory and smashing them are completely different styles. It’s not about me or Bibiano. If two people are not on same page, then team suffers.”

He subsequently indicated that he could work with the national setup if Bibiano was no longer involved in the project.

However, with the AIFF now clearly defining the responsibilities of both positions, Bibiano has accepted the coaching assignment.

Bibiano Fernandes boasts impressive record with India youth teams

Bibiano is one of the most successful coaches in Indian youth football in recent years.

The former India international guided the national U-17 team to three consecutive AFC U-16/U-17 Asian Cup appearances between 2018 and 2023.

His tenure also produced one of the most notable results in Indian youth football when India defeated Iran 2-1 to secure qualification for this year’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The coach therefore brings considerable experience of working with young Indian players into the new U-15 project.

His appointment also gives the AIFF a coach who already understands the pathway from youth football to the national team level.

India set for unique FIFA U-15 tournament

The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will be different from the traditional FIFA youth World Cups.

All 211 FIFA member associations are expected to participate in the event in Azerbaijan. Instead of the conventional 11-a-side format, the competition will feature eight players per team.

Matches will consist of two 20-minute halves, while teams will be allowed to register 14 players, including a maximum of two goalkeepers.

The format is designed to provide more young players with international exposure while also creating a different development environment.

For India, the tournament will offer the U-15 players an opportunity to compete against youth teams from across the world.

Also Read: Explained: FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival — Format, rules, qualification & what India can learn

What will Ranjit Bajaj’s role be?

While Bibiano will have control over coaching and player selection, Bajaj’s exact involvement could still become a talking point.

The AIFF has reportedly defined the manager’s responsibilities as largely administrative. That would include duties such as logistics and other off-field matters rather than decisions concerning tactics, selection or coaching.

However, Bajaj had previously presented an ambitious plan to the AIFF Technical Committee, including a long-term vision aimed at helping India reach the FIFA World Cup 2034 .

His Minerva Academy has also developed a strong reputation for producing young footballers and winning youth competitions at both domestic and international levels.

Therefore, his involvement could still provide value to the U-15 project if the two roles remain clearly separated.

India U-15 have a major opportunity ahead

Bibiano’s decision to accept the offer removes one of the major uncertainties surrounding India’s participation in the inaugural tournament.

With the head coach now set to take charge, the focus can shift towards identifying the best young players and preparing them for the demands of international football.

The eight-a-side format will also require players to adapt quickly, with smaller pitches and shorter matches placing greater importance on intensity, decision-making and technical ability.

What is our take?

Bibiano Fernandes’ acceptance of the AIFF’s offer provides stability to the India U-15 project ahead of the inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival.

The coach’s record with India’s youth teams makes him a logical choice for the assignment. More importantly, the clear separation between coaching and managerial responsibilities should allow him to focus entirely on the footballing side of the project.

With all 211 FIFA member associations expected to participate, the Azerbaijan tournament could give India’s next generation an important taste of international competition.

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