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Last Updated:April 08, 2026, 13:38 IST
India U12 team wins Real Madrid Foundation World Challenge in Madrid, beating Brazil 3 0 in final, U14s reach semis, highlighting rise of Indian youth football.

India's U12 football team scripts history at Real Madrid Foundation World Challenge
India’s under-12 football team has been crowned champion at the prestigious Real Madrid Foundation World Challenge, held at the iconic Real Madrid training complex in Madrid, Spain.
Competing against some of the best youth teams from around the world, the Indian U12 side delivered composed and commanding performances throughout the tournament. Facing leading footballing nations, the team combined tactical discipline with attacking flair to secure a decisive 3-0 victory over Brazil in a gripping final, according to a press release.
History Made In India Football!

This achievement is particularly significant given the scale and pedigree of the tournament, hosted by a leading European club. It reflects the steady rise of India’s grassroots football ecosystem and sets a new benchmark for youth development in the country.
The annual tournament, conducted during Easter week, brought together over 80 teams and more than 1,000 young players across U10, U12 and U14 categories, representing regions including Europe, North America, South America and South Asia. Hosted at Real Madrid’s famed Sports City, the event offers young athletes a rare opportunity to compete on the same pitches graced by global stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
India’s campaign stood out not only for its championship win but also for its overall consistency and competitive excellence. The Indian U14 contingent also progressed to the semi-finals, where they lost to Italy in a nail-biting five-goal thriller, with Italy scoring the decisive goal late in the second half. Both Indian teams demonstrated depth of talent and resilience against top-tier international opposition, contributing to India’s strong overall presence at the tournament.
The Indian squads, comprising players from Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, represented a unified national effort as part of the Conscient Sports programme. Their journey to the top included notable victories against teams from Spain, Germany, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, the USA, Canada, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Morocco, underscoring the global competitiveness of the event.
Adding to the prestige of the tournament, Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos attended as the official ambassador, interacting with players and inspiring the next generation of football talent.
First Published:
April 08, 2026, 13:38 IST
News sports football India U12s Stun Brazil 3-0 To Win Real Madrid Foundation World Challenge
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