Farhin Imran
AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: The India U15 men’s team camp is currently underway in Bengaluru, with head coach Bibiano Fernandes and his coaching staff continuing to assess players through trials as part of preparations for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026.
The camp began at the Centre for Sports Excellence on August 16, with sets of players being invited in batches to attend the trials. The ongoing scouting phase is set to run through the end of August, following which the shortlisted pool of players will form the core group for the next phase. The final 14-member squad will eventually be selected for the tournament in Azerbaijan, which is scheduled to be held from October 22 to 31.
For Fernandes, the immediate focus is on building a strong pipeline for the future while identifying top talent.
“Our first step is to scout and identify the best talent, as well as players who have the potential to progress and eventually compete in the U17 Asian Cup, which is the qualifier for the World Cup,” Fernandes said. “We will complete the trials by the end of August, after which we will begin our preparation with the shortlisted players.”
The AIFF's search for talent has also involved a network comprising 60 scouts assessing and monitoring more than 12,000 boys across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 domestic seasons.
“The more players we see, the better it is for us to build the team,” Fernandes said. “It is not easy to cover the entire country, but efforts have been made to see as many players as possible, including Indian players based overseas. The wider the pool we can assess, the better chance we have of finding the right players for the team.”
Talent is only part of the equation for Fernandes. His coaching staff is prioritising the character and mindset of the players equally.
“Hunger, desire and a never-give-up attitude come first, along with talent. Talent is important, but at this age, the mentality of the player is equally important. We need players who are willing to work hard, learn and keep improving,” he said.
Once the selection process concludes at the end of August, the camp will transition into full-fledged preparations, with focus shifting towards adapting the squad to the small-sided competition.
“Keeping all aspects of the tournament format in mind, our preparation will replicate how the tournament will actually be organised,” Fernandes explained. “The tactics and approach will be different compared to an 11-a-side game, so we have to prepare the players accordingly and ensure they understand the demands of the format.”
Assistant coach Surinder Singh adds valuable tactical experience to Fernandes’ coaching staff.
“Bringing Surinder into the team has been a great addition,” Fernandes said. “He comes with a lot of experience in youth football and also has experience with the 8-a-side format, so that will be very useful for us. I believe we can work well together and make the most of our experience during this preparation.”
Having previously guided India’s youth teams to success in several continental and regional campaigns, Fernandes sees the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival as an opportunity for the next generation to test themselves on a global stage.
“I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to gain experience at the Asian level, and when I got this opportunity, I felt it was a great one,” he said. “Since this is the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, it gives the boys a chance to gain valuable exposure to international football and experience the level of competition not just in Asia, but the world.”
Ultimately, coach Fernandes views the trip to Azerbaijan as an important benchmark for the players’ long-term development. “For me, the most important takeaway is that these young players understand what it means to compete at the highest international level,” he emphasised. “It is not just about the results, it is an opportunity for them to learn, experience different football cultures and understand the standards required to succeed at this level.
“I want them to leave the tournament with greater confidence, humility and a hunger to improve. They should realise that they can compete with the best, but also recognise the areas where they need to grow technically, tactically, physically and mentally," Fernandes concluded.
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