Fernandes Sees Light at the End of the Tunnel as India Secures AFC U17 Asian Cup Berth

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India's head coach Bibiano Fernandes is one step closer to achieving his dream of qualifying for the U17 World Cup. The team's 2-1 comeback win against Iran in the AFC U17 Asian Cup has guaranteed a finals berth in the 16-team tournament, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from May 7-24, 2026. Fernandes, who has been in charge of the Indian team since 2017, believes that this victory has brought them closer to their goal. The new format of the Asian Cup guarantees a World Cup berth to the top two teams in each group, making India's chances of qualifying brighter. The team's come-from-behind win against Iran, who are considered one of the top contenders, has sent a positive signal to the Indian team. Fernandes credits the players and staff for their hard work and dedication, which has paid off in the end. The Indian team will now focus on preparing for the U17 World Cup qualifiers. Fernandes plans to hold trials and scouting sessions to select a squad of 35 players, who will start training from January. The team will also play friendlies against stronger teams to prepare for the qualifiers. Fernandes, who has been associated with the Indian team since 2018, when they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Asian U-16 junior men's football finals, is determined to make history. He believes that the team has the potential to make it to the top eight teams in the U17 World Cup. The Indian team has been training since August, and they have been playing friendlies against senior teams in preparation for the U17 World Cup qualifiers. Fernandes is confident that his team will be ready to take on the best teams in the world.