India U-17 very close to World Cup qualification: Bibiano

Panaji: India U-17 coach Bibiano Fernandes believes his team is in great shape to punch above their weight and become the first to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on sporting merit.

A win against Iran in the qualifiers showed India’s potential in the age group and Bibiano’s team now needs just a win – against Australia (May 6) or Uzbekistan (May 10) in group D in Jeddah -- to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year. Following North Korea’s withdrawal due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia, the group has been left with just three teams, two of whom will qualify for the knockout stage and make it to the World Cup.

“Looks like we are very close,” Bibiano told TOI over a video call from Qatar on Thursday. “Since the first batch (in 2018), we have done well, even qualified for the quarterfinals. Why not now? After so many years, I'm sure India have done well in terms of development. This is a good batch, promising, and we saw what they can do in the qualifiers (against Iran). We are all hopeful that we can come up with one inspiring performance that can change everything.”

India’s only participation at the FIFA World Cup came in 2017 when the country hosted the U-17 competition, losing all three games against Ghana, Colombia and the United States.

“North Korea’s withdrawal does not change anything for us as far as our preparations are concerned. We know that one win now can take us to the World Cup, but we need to be at our best, like against Iran, to secure a win. We are working hard, and I think our boys will deliver,” said Bibiano, who side managed two draws against Qatar earlier this week.

Bibiano’s confidence stems from India’s strong performances under him since 2018, when the team finished among the top eight in Asia. India drew goalless with Indonesia and Iran and defeated Vietnam by a solitary goal, before losing 0-1 to South Korea in the decisive clash.

Now, if Bibiano manages to take the team to the quarterfinals, India will be rewarded with a place in the 48-team World Cup.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup returns to Qatar later this year, marking the second of five consecutive editions that the country will host annually through 2029. Following a landmark 2025 tournament that saw Qatar hosting the first ever FIFA competition to feature 48 teams, this year’s edition will continue the expanded format.
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