India Concludes FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 Campaign With Win Over Cuba

India concluded its campaign at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 with a 6-4 victory over Cuba in the 87th-place play-off held at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B in Baku on Friday, October 30, 2026. Victor Lalawmpuia, Nibas Meetei Wahengbam, and R. Lalremruatfela each scored twice as the team, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, finished its tournament fixtures.

Match Overview and Early Dominance

The team, referred to as the Blue Colts, started strongly in their 10th and final fixture of the tournament. Taking the lead in under a minute, Victor Lalawmpuia capitalized on a defensive error, intercepting possession from Cuba's central defender before placing a shot into the bottom-right corner.

India extended the lead in the sixth minute following a collaborative left-wing move involving R. Lalremruatfela and Muhammad Sohil Khan. The resulting cross bypassed the Cuban defence, allowing an unmarked Nibas Meetei Wahengbam to tap in at the far post.

Expanding the Lead

Goalkeeper Dhannya Desai made several key saves to maintain the advantage against early Cuban attempts. In the 12th minute, India capitalized on a set piece when Sohil delivered a free-kick that was recycled by Nara Meitei Loushambam, leaving Lalremruatfela unmarked to score the third goal.

Although Cuba scored in the 19th minute following an Indian defensive error, the response from the Blue Colts was immediate. Nibas scored from long range in the 22nd minute, and Lalawmpuia added another a minute later with a deflected left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, bringing the score to 5-1.

Lalremruatfela secured his second goal in the 27th minute, utilizing a goal kick from Desai to beat the goalkeeper with a powerful finish, extending India's lead to 6-1.

Late Cuban Fightback

Cuba mounted a late rally after goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam replaced Desai. The Caribbean side converted a penalty in the 33rd minute and added two additional goals in the 34th and 39th minutes to narrow the final margin to 6-4 before India secured the remaining minutes to preserve the win.

Practical Implications and Verification

• The match marked the final fixture for India in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 tournament.
• Official match reports, statistics, and tournament standings can be verified through official AIFF media releases and tournament organizing bodies.
• Spectators and analysts should consult official sports news outlets and governing body portals for confirmed documentation.