Minerva Academy FC produced a historic showing at the MIC Cup 2026, finishing fifth in the prestigious Under-15 competition in Spain. Competing against some of the world’s top academies, the Indian side announced its arrival on the global stage with a fearless and dominant campaign. Drawn in what was widely labelled the “group of death", Minerva rose to the challenge with remarkable composure, winning all three group matches to top Group B with a perfect nine points and a goal difference of +7.
Dominant knockout run and stunning Liverpool victory
Carrying their momentum into the knockouts, Minerva eased past the Canadian side Braves d’Ahuntsic with a convincing 4-0 win in the Round of 32. However, their defining moment came in the Round of 16 when they stunned Liverpool FC with a sensational 6-0 victory. The result sent shockwaves across the tournament, underlining the technical quality and attacking prowess of the Indian side. It also reinforced Minerva’s growing reputation as a serious contender among elite academies.
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Narrow quarterfinal exit but lasting impact
Minerva’s impressive run came to an end in the quarter-finals against UE Figueres, where they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in a closely fought encounter. Despite the loss, their overall performance ensured a fifth-place finish, a remarkable achievement at this level. The campaign also saw standout performances from players like Raj Singh Wahengbam, who emerged among the tournament’s top scorers, sharing the spotlight with talents from leading European academies.
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A statement for Indian football’s future
Minerva’s journey was not just about results but about making a statement. Their group-stage opponents, including EF Santa Ana and Kaptiva Sports Academy, also progressed deep into the tournament, highlighting the competitiveness of the group Minerva dominated. This campaign marks a defining moment for Indian youth football. It reflects the progress being made at the grassroots level and signals that Indian academies are no longer just participants but genuine competitors on the global stage.
