AIFF Appoints Ranjit Bajaj and Bibiano Fernandes for Inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the appointment of Minerva Academy FC owner Ranjit Bajaj as the team manager of the India U-15 men's national team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan this October. The decision was taken during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday. Along with Bajaj's appointment, the Executive Committee also approved the recommendation to appoint Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach of the India U-15 team, subject to his acceptance. The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival will mark the first edition of the age-group tournament with teams from across the world set to participate. As per the tournament regulations, each participating team can have a 20-member contingent, including 14 players and six support staff. Bajaj, who is also the owner of Minerva Academy FC and has played an important role in Indian youth football over the years, will now be responsible for managing the Indian team's off-field operations during the tournament. The appointment is part of the AIFF's preparations for the historic competition, where India's young footballers will get an opportunity to compete against some of the world's best teams at the U-15 level.