Goa, Aug. 11 -- Bibiano Fernandes is set to return to the India youth setup after accepting the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) offer to become head coach of the India U-15 men's team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan later this year and will feature all 211 FIFA member associations. India will compete in a unique eight-a-side format, with matches to be played on specially designed smaller pitches.

Bibiano's appointment had initially been surrounded by uncertainty because of concerns over the proposed coaching and management structure. The AIFF Executive Committee had approved the former India midfielder as head coach, while Minerva Academy founder Ranjit...