Laos vs India Preview: Predicted Lineups, Team News | FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026

The Blue Colts will begin their FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 campaign against Laos.

The India U-15 team are poised to play their first match in the qualification stages of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival when they face off against Laos U-15 at the Hovsan Competition Complex on Saturday (24 October 2026).

This will be the first challenge for Bibiano Fernandes’ boys to prove how good they can be at the world stage in this unique 8-player line-up competition, as they look to assert their authority in the qualification group with a big win over a tricky Laos side.

The Stakes

India U-15

The India U-15 side have been placed in a tricky qualification group which comprises of a few FIFA World Cup playing nations as well.

The Blue Colts have had decent preparation before this tournament, playing out two draws against Qatar U-15 before heading out to Azerbaijan. Bibiano Fernandes realizes that his side needs to win as many games as possible in the qualification stage for them to be placed in the higher tiers in the main edition.

They are facing a Laos side whose senior team are ranked 185th in the FIFA World Rankings, which means that the Blue Colts are favorites to win this clash.

Fernandes will urge his players to be confident in producing some slick, eye-catching attacking football against the Laos side and put them under major pressure. A big win for the Blue Colts in their first qualification clash will give the squad positive self-belief levels, but dropping points in the first game itself can be particularly demoralising.

Laos U-15

The Laos U-15 players also have a major chance at proving how competitive they are by holding their own in the FIFA U-15 World Cup qualification stage. They’re determined to show that the future for Laos football is bright and can do that by getting a positive result in the first match against the India U-15 side.

Laos U-15 are likely to take a more conservative approach in this clash, needing to prioritize maintaining a really strong defensive line and putting many players behind the ball as well.

They will look to frustrate the Indian youngsters with their sturdy defensive work, as well as looking to hit them on the counter-attacks and transitions to trouble them. A possible win for Laos U-15 can enable to prove that they’re no pushovers, but a damaging loss can be particularly upsetting for the youngsters.

Team News

Bibiano Fernandes has travelled to Azerbaijan with a 14-player squad to participate in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival.

Laos U-15 have also travelled with their most promising young talents to be part of this exciting competition.

Head-to-Head

This match will mark the first-ever match between the India U-15 and Laos U-15 in competitive football.

Predicted Lineup

India U-15

Dhannya Desai (GK), Brijit Singh, Muhammed Sohail Khan, Pratham Kumar, Deepak Singh, Victor Lalawmpuia, Aheibam Ronadev, Macdonnish Ngairangbam

Player to Watchout

Aheibam Ronadev (India U-15)

The India U-15 squad is packed with promising young talents who will be playing their first major international tournament in the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival.

That includes the presence of talented forward Aheibam Ronadev, who will be looking to make a prominent impact in the upcoming matches. The Manipur-born forward has worked hard on his development to earn a place in the India U-15 national squad and will look to bring something different to his side’s attack.

Ronadev will look to be a thorn for the defenders using his blistering movement, being able to sneak past opposition players to get into the prime areas.

However, the teenage sensation has to be at his prolific best in terms of finishing off major chances and looking to create big ones for his teammates to help them get a big win over Laos U-15.

Did you know?

• Over 12,000 boys were assessed to choose the perfect India U-15 squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup & Festival.
• The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival matches will feature 8v8 clashes, with two halves comprising of only 20 minutes.
• In the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival matches, each team can make unlimited substitutions, and the offside rule is only considered for goals.

Telecast Details

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival qualification clash between India U-15 and Laos U-15 will take place on Saturday, 24 October (2026) at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku.

The match will kick off at 11:45 AM IST. It will be streamed live for free on DAZN.

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