Nepal Survive Penalty Drama Against Pakistan, Set Up Crucial FIFA U-15 Quarter-Final Against Fiji

Kathmandu, October 29, 2026

Nepal's national under-15 boys' football team has advanced to the Tier F quarter-finals of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 after defeating Pakistan 4–3 in a penalty shootout in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, October 28. The Round of 16 match ended 0–0 before Nepal secured victory from the penalty spot. The result keeps Nepal in contention for the Tier F title at the inaugural FIFA youth tournament, which brings together 189 national teams to provide young players with international competition and development opportunities. Nepal will now face Fiji on Thursday, October 29, at 4:15 PM Nepal Time, with a place in the Tier F semi-finals at stake.

Penalty Drama: Nepal Hold Their Nerve Against Pakistan

Nepal and Pakistan played out a goalless encounter in their Tier F Round of 16 match, with neither team managing to score during regular time.

With the match level at 0–0, the contest was decided by a penalty shootout.

Nepal converted four penalties, while Pakistan managed three, allowing the Nepali side to secure a narrow 4–3 victory.

The result marked another important moment for Nepal's young footballers, who are competing in the first edition of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival.

Next Challenge: Nepal Face Fiji in Quarter-Finals

Following their victory over Pakistan, Nepal will meet Fiji in the Tier F quarter-finals on Thursday, October 29.

The match is scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM Nepal Time in Azerbaijan.

A victory would take Nepal into the Tier F semi-finals and move the team another step closer to competing for the tier championship.

The match will be available to watch live through FIFA+ on DAZN, which is providing free coverage of the tournament.

Nepal's Journey: Wins, Defeats and a Dramatic Comeback

Nepal's campaign has included several challenging fixtures against opponents from different parts of the world.

The team began its tournament against Tunisia, losing 3–1, before suffering a 4–0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

Nepal then recorded a 3–1 victory over El Salvador, followed by defeats against Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Despite those setbacks, Nepal continued its campaign with a convincing 4–0 victory over the Solomon Islands before overcoming Pakistan on penalties.

These results demonstrate the varied level of opposition Nepal has faced during its first appearance at the tournament.

Tournament Explained: Why Is Nepal Playing in Tier F?

The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival uses a different structure from the traditional FIFA World Cup.

Teams first compete in a qualification stage, with their results determining placement in one of six performance tiers, ranging from Tier A to Tier F.

The system is designed to provide teams with opponents of relatively similar competitive levels during the later stages.

Nepal is competing in Tier F, where teams play for their respective tier title.

Importantly, winning Tier F is different from winning the overall FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival, as the Tier A winner receives the tournament's main championship title.

The structure also ensures that teams continue playing throughout the event, giving young footballers more opportunities to gain international experience.

Special Rules: Eight Players and Shorter Matches

Unlike conventional international football, which features 11 players on each team, the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival uses an eight-a-side format.

Matches consist of two 20-minute halves, with smaller pitches measuring approximately 68 metres by 47 metres.

The competition also allows rolling substitutions and uses kick-ins instead of traditional throw-ins.

These adjustments are intended to increase players' involvement, provide more opportunities to touch the ball, and support technical development at an early age.

The competition is open to eligible players born in 2011 or 2012.

Historic Participation: Nepal Among 189 National Teams

The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 24 to 30, 2026.

A total of 189 FIFA member associations are participating, including 78 countries making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup competition at any age level.

Nepal is among those 78 debuting nations.

The tournament includes nearly 1,000 matches and brings together more than 3,000 players, coaches and officials.

Most matches take place at the Hovsan Competition Complex, while the opening ceremony and tier finals are hosted at Baku's Crystal Hall.

More Than Results: Why FIFA Introduced This Competition

FIFA established the U-15 World Cup & Festival to expand international opportunities for young footballers, particularly those from countries with limited experience in global competitions.

The event focuses on player development rather than only determining a single overall winner.

By bringing together teams from different footballing backgrounds, the tournament allows young players to experience unfamiliar playing styles, competitive environments and international teamwork.

FIFA also plans to introduce a girls' edition in 2027, followed by annual boys' and girls' competitions from 2028.

Semi-Final Hopes: Can Nepal Continue Its Run?

Nepal's victory over Pakistan has kept the team in contention for the Tier F title, but Fiji presents another important challenge.

The young Nepali players will need to build on their recent victories and deliver a strong performance to advance further.

Regardless of the eventual result, the tournament has already provided Nepal with valuable exposure to international opponents and a different competitive format.

For now, attention turns to the quarter-final, where Nepal will look to turn its penalty shootout success into another victory.

Nepal vs. Fiji: October 29, 2026, at 4:15 PM Nepal Time. Watch live on FIFA+ on DAZN.