India’s Minerva Academy FC make history with 6-0 win over Liverpool FC, bow out in quarters

In a moment that will echo far beyond Spain, the U15 team from Minerva Academy FC didn’t just win – they made a statement. At the Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) 2026, the young Indian team stunned Liverpool FC 6-0 in the Round of 16, a result that felt almost unthinkable given the gap in footballing ecosystems.

But on that day, there was no gap, only belief. Captain Wahengbam Raj Singh starred with a brilliant hat-trick, while Mohammad Azam Khan scored twice and Lisham Amarson Singh added the sixth to complete a dominant performance.

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It was the highlight of an already impressive campaign, where Minerva topped their group with wins over Boca Orange County (US), Kaptiva Sports Academy (Spain), and EF Santa Ana (Canada) before beating CS Braves Ahuntsic in the knockouts.

🎥 | In a historic moment for Indian football, Minerva Academy U-15 beat Liverpool FC 6-0 at MIC 2026. The Punjab-based academy showcased fearless confidence, belief, and determination, making a statement on the global stage.

Read More- https://t.co/4Oa2tgxdRg@minervapunjabfc… pic.twitter.com/KK7JVwZjzB

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 5, 2026

Behind this rise is Ranjit Bajaj, whose relentless push, often without strong backing from the All India Football Federation, has shaped a team that believes it belongs on the global stage. This group had already proved itself in 2025, winning the Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup and even being felicitated by Lionel Messi in Delhi. The Liverpool result, however, felt different, bigger, louder, and impossible to ignore.

The dream run ends in Spain, but a statement is made

The fairytale run of Minerva Academy FC U15s came to a narrow end in Spain as they went down 2-1 to UE Figueres in the quarterfinals of the Mediterranean International Cup. Decided by a late penalty, the result left players and supporters frustrated, especially after a closely fought contest that was level at halftime.

There was heartbreak at the final whistle but also a deep sense of pride.

This campaign held significance beyond mere outcomes. In a footballing landscape where India often struggles for consistency and direction, this group of youngsters showed what is possible. They outplayed one of the biggest academies in the world, Liverpool FC, did it without full institutional backing from the All India Football Federation, and they proved that Indian talent can rise to the global stage.

India’s absence from the FIFA World Cup has long shaped the narrative around the sport in the country. Since their withdrawal in 1950, opportunities at the biggest stage have remained out of reach.

But performances like these begin to shift that narrative.

Even without lifting the trophy, Minerva’s 6-0 win over Liverpool and their fearless run in Spain could become a defining moment, one that inspires belief, demands stronger support systems, and signals that the future of Indian football may be closer than it seems.

The Mediterranean International Cup: A global stage for young talent

The Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious youth football tournaments in the world. Held annually in Spain’s Costa Brava region, it brings together elite academies and emerging teams across age groups, often described as a “mini World Cup” for youth football.

Over the years, the academies of top clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC, and Liverpool FC have competed in the tournament. Some of the biggest names in football, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Casemiro, have featured in it during their youth careers.

For a debutant Indian team to not only compete but dominate at this level highlights the scale of Minerva’s achievement.