India U15 vs Bahrain U15 Preview: Predicted Lineups, Team News | FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026
India are placed top of their group at the end of Day 2 of qualifying phase.
The Indian U-15 team, participating in the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan, will enter the final day of the group stage with two fixtures lined up. They will face Bahrain in the afternoon before taking on Senegal later that day.
The match against Bahrain is scheduled to kick off at 14:15 IST on October 26, 2026, at Pitch 9A of the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan. The clash against Senegal will take place later at 21:00 IST at the same venue, on Pitch 8A.
As Bibiano Fernandes prepares his boys for the clash against Bahrain to kick off the final day of the group stage, let’s take a look at the teams’ form, team news, predicted lineups and more.
The Stakes
India U-15
The competition generated plenty of hype and excitement even before its start, with considerable drama surrounding the AIFF’s appointment of the head coach and other aspects of the team’s preparations. Bibiano Fernandes was eventually appointed, and the man who has done a great job with Indian youth teams has made a positive impact here as well.
The Blue Colts began their campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Laos on the opening day, followed by an even better second day, where they defeated Cameroon 2-1.
However, they bottled a 3-0 lead in the final 10 minutes of the game against Grenada to drop two points. Although they are undefeated in each game, they are yet to fully sort out their defensive issues, and there are aspects of their game that could still be improved.
However, these are young players experiencing such a major stage for the first time, and they will likely become more comfortable as their nerves settle.
Can they finish the campaign on a high with a few more wins on the final day and potentially secure a place in the top tier for the knockout phase? Time will answer.
Bahrain U-15
Bahrain U-15 began their campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win over Grenada, getting off to a flying start and potentially gaining an early advantage in the qualifying stage through their goal difference and points tally. However, they endured a poor second day, being stunned by Laos in the morning, who secured a 1-1 draw despite being at a numerical disadvantage, before suffering a 6-1 defeat to Senegal in the afternoon.
Against Grenada, Bahrain were physically dominant and outplayed their opponents for large parts of the game, with relatively little defensive work required. Their pressing to win the ball back was a major strength, complemented by their ability to play long balls and quickly transition from defensive actions into goalscoring opportunities in the final third.
However, these strengths and performances were not evident on the second day, when Bahrain looked lackluster against Laos and were completely outplayed by Senegal in their most recent game. They must return to the level of performance they produced on the opening day if they want to secure a win against table-toppers India.
Team News
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With each match lasting just 45 minutes and the tournament taking place over two days, both head coaches will be hoping to have fully fit squads available, with no injury concerns.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between the two sides at U-15 level, although they have faced each other several times in the U-16 age category, where India have historically dominated.
Predicted Lineups
India U-15
Jenit Ningthoujam (GK), Pratham Kumar, Nara Meitei Loushambam, Soumojit Sarkar, R Lalremruatfela, Macdonnish Ngairangbam (C), C Lalhmingropuia, Deepak Singh Arambam
Bahrain U-15
Abdulla Alrowaiei (GK), Sayed Alalawi, Abdulaziz Buaallai, Ridha Ebrahim, Sayed Hashem, Zeyad Aun, Rashed Abdul Rahman, Bader Mahboob
Player to Watch
R. Lalremruatfela (India U-15 )
Lalremruatfela, a young academy player from the recently established FC Madras academy, which has produced several promising talents since its inception, showed no signs of nerves at the FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival, scoring a brace in the opening game against Laos. On the second day, captaining India against Cameroon, he stepped up once again, scoring the winner with a brilliant strike to help the Blue Colts defeat the African giants.
He has displayed considerable promise in the midfield and attacking thirds through his runs and movement. In the opening game against Laos, the number seven scored two excellent goals: one after controlling the ball following a poor clearance, and another with a beautiful left-footed strike from the edge of the box to beat the goalkeeper.
His winner against Cameroon was a similar effort from distance, showcasing his lethal left foot once again.
The early signs from this young player have been extremely promising, and several clubs will surely keep an eye on him as he continues to develop.
Telecast Details
The match against Bahrain is scheduled to kick off at 14:15 IST on October 26, 2026, at Pitch 9A of the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan. The clash against Senegal will take place later at 21:00 IST at the same venue, on Pitch 8A.
The match kicks off at 14:15 IST. It will be shown live on DAZN.
When and where to watch the India vs Bahrain clash in the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup?
India’s match against Bahrain is scheduled to kick off at 14:15 IST on October 26, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The match will be streamed live on DAZN.
Which club does R. Lalremruatfela play for?
India U-15 midfielder Lalremruatfela plays for the FC Madras academy.
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