PANAJI: India U-17 coach Bibiano Fernandes believes his team is in excellent form to punch above their weight and become the first Indian side to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on sporting merit. A victory against Iran in the qualifiers showcased India's potential in this age group, and Bibiano's team now needs just one win — against Australia on May 6 or Uzbekistan on May 10 in Group D in Jeddah — to secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Following North Korea's withdrawal due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia, the group has been reduced to just three teams, two of which will advance to the knockout stage and earn a place in the World Cup.
"It looks like we are very close," Bibiano told TOI over a video call from Qatar. "Since the first batch in 2018, we have performed well, even qualifying for the quarterfinals. Why not now? After so many years, I am sure India has progressed 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 deliver one inspiring performance that can change everything."
India's only previous participation at the FIFA World Cup came in 2017 when the country hosted the U-17 competition, losing all three matches against Ghana, Colombia, and the United States. "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 victory. We are working hard, and I think our boys will deliver," said Bibiano, whose side managed two draws against Qatar earlier this week.
Bibiano's confidence stems from India's strong performances under his guidance since 2018, when the team finished among the top eight in Asia. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
