India Triumphs Over Laos in FIFA U15 World Cup Opener

In an exciting start to the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan, India's football team achieved a remarkable 4-2 victory against Laos. Captain Macdonnish Ngairangbam and R Lalremruatfela led the charge with early goals, while Laos fought back with a goal of their own. However, India regained control with two more goals, securing their first three points in the tournament. The young squad is set to face Cameroon next, aiming to continue their winning momentum. Read on for a detailed account of the match and upcoming fixtures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 16:46 IST

India's Strong Start at FIFA U15 World Cup

File image of Indian U-15 football team(Photo: @Ritwik_MB_09/X)

Baku, Oct 24: India kicked off their journey in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan 2026 with an impressive 4-2 win against Laos during their Group K match at the Hovsan Competition Complex Pitch 1B on Saturday.

Captain Macdonnish Ngairangbam opened the scoring for India in the 7th minute, followed by R Lalremruatfela's goal in the 11th minute, giving India a quick two-goal lead. However, Laos responded with Anavin Xayyasone scoring in the 12th minute to narrow the gap.

After the break, Souksavanh Siliseng equalized for Laos in the 24th minute, but India regained control with goals from Lalremruatfela in the 31st minute and Soumojit Sarkar in the 33rd minute, sealing the victory and earning their first three points in a FIFA tournament.

The tournament features 189 teams split into 32 groups, competing in an eight-a-side format with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves and rolling substitutions.

India's team, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, started strong, creating two chances within the first four minutes. Deepak Singh Arambam's powerful shot was saved by Laos goalkeeper Anousith Souksavanh, and Macdonnish was also denied shortly after.

India took the lead in the 7th minute thanks to Deepak's skillful play, setting up Macdonnish for an easy tap-in. They doubled their lead in the 11th minute when R Lalremruatfela capitalized on a blocked clearance to score with a powerful left-footed shot.

Laos quickly responded, with Anavin Xayyasone scoring from distance in the 12th minute, leaving India's goalkeeper Jenit Ningthoujam unable to react.

After a quiet period, India threatened again after halftime, with Macdonnish's header narrowly missing the target. Laos equalized in the 24th minute when Siliseng found the bottom corner with a shot from outside the box.

Following the equalizer, India intensified their efforts, dominating possession in Laos' half. They regained the lead in the 31st minute when Lalremruatfela scored from outside the box, and Sarkar extended the lead in the 33rd minute with a remarkable shot from near the halfway line.

India managed the final minutes effectively to maintain their two-goal lead and secure the victory. They will face Cameroon next on Sunday, followed by matches against Grenada, Bahrain, and Senegal on October 26, with their performance determining their progression to the next phase.