India drawn with Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos and Senegal for FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026

India's U15 men's side have been drawn in Group K with Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos and Senegal for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026, to be held in Baku in October. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the Blue Colts will play five qualification matches across three days at the Hovsan Competition Complex.

The tournament is open to all FIFA Member Associations and features 191 national teams split into 32 groups. Organisers have scheduled 943 matches across 20 match pitches over six competition days. Matches will be played in an 8v8 format consisting of two 20-minute halves with a five-minute half-time interval; pitches will measure 68 metres by 50 metres and rolling substitutions are permitted.

India’s schedule includes two double-headers: on October 25 they meet Cameroon at 10:30 IST and Grenada at 17:15 IST, both on Pitch 1B, and on October 26 they play Bahrain at 14:15 IST on Pitch 9A followed by Senegal at 21:00 IST on Pitch 8A. The qualification stage for the competition runs from October 24 to October 26.

Participating teams will arrive in Baku on October 22 with an official training day set for October 23. A rest day is scheduled for October 27, the tournament stage will take place on October 28 and 29, and the tier finals are planned for October 30.

The Blue Colts are currently in camp at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru and will play international friendly matches at home before travelling. India will name a final squad of 14 players for the tournament.

India will open their campaign against Laos on October 24 at 11:45 IST at Pitch 1B.