Maldives U15 Secures Historic Draw Against Anguilla at FIFA World Cup

The Maldives national under-15 football team made history on Monday by securing their first-ever point at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Trailing 3-0 within the first 23 minutes against Anguilla, the young Maldivian side staged a remarkable comeback to draw 3-3. Anguilla took an early lead through Jacob Fleming, who scored in the 13th and 20th minutes, and Spondel Pogson added a third goal in the 23rd minute at the Howson Competition Complex. However, the Maldives team fought back in the final 10 minutes. Ibrahim Iyas bin Hassan scored in the 30th minute, Yusuf Laiq Ibrahim pulled another back in the 35th, and with one minute remaining, Meeaa Mohamed Kalim equalised in the 39th minute to secure the historic point. The tournament, featuring 189 FIFA member nations, is being played in a seven-a-side format with two 20-minute halves. The event runs from October 24 to 30 and aims to give young players international experience and skill development.