Bibiano Fernandes accepts AIFF role as India U-15 coach for FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026
Bibiano Fernandes has accepted the All India Football Federation’s offer to become head coach of the India U-15 men’s team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan later this year. His agreement follows a clarification of the respective head coach and manager roles after earlier uncertainty over the team’s management structure.
The AIFF Executive Committee had formally approved Bibiano’s appointment while naming Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj as team manager, and Bibiano had been the preferred choice of the AIFF Technical Committee. His appointment initially remained uncertain because he was understood to have reservations about working alongside Bajaj, with concerns reportedly linked to possible differences in footballing philosophies and potential interference in sporting decisions. Bajaj’s selection generated considerable discussion after the AIFF announced both appointments together.
According to a report by the Times of India, the roles and responsibilities of the head coach and manager were clearly outlined in their respective contracts, and Bibiano agreed to take charge as a result. 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.”
Bajaj initially said he was not keen to accept the manager position, arguing that different playing styles and visions between him and Bibiano could harm the team and questioning the manner of the AIFF’s appointments. He later clarified that his objection was not directed at Bibiano personally. “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.
Bibiano’s record with India’s youth teams includes guiding the national U-17 side to three consecutive AFC U-16/U-17 Asian Cup appearances between 2018 and 2023, and his tenure produced India’s 2-1 victory over Iran to secure qualification for this year’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The AIFF has presented his appointment as bringing considerable experience of working with young Indian players into the new U-15 project and an understanding of the pathway from youth football to the national team level.
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will involve all 211 FIFA member associations in Azerbaijan and will use an eight-a-side format on customised smaller pitches. Matches will consist of two 20-minute halves, and teams may register 14 players, including a maximum of two goalkeepers. The AIFF has described the format as aimed at providing more young players with international exposure and a different development environment.
The AIFF’s contractual clarification assigns administrative duties such as logistics and off-field matters to the manager while reserving coaching and selection exclusively for Bibiano, a division the federation says gives the coach complete control over footballing and selection matters. Bajaj has previously presented an ambitious plan to the AIFF Technical Committee that included a long-term vision aimed at helping India reach the FIFA World Cup 2034, and his Minerva Academy has a reputation for producing young footballers and winning youth competitions at both domestic and international levels.
Bibiano Fernandes’ acceptance resolves one of the principal uncertainties surrounding India’s participation in the inaugural tournament, allowing preparation to focus on identifying the best young players and readying them for the demands of the eight-a-side format ahead of the Azerbaijan event later in 2026.