Coach for the Malawi National Football Team Under-15s, Joseph Malizani, says the technical panel has encouraged the boys to enjoy and learn in their upcoming game against Hungary this afternoon in the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.

He said this as the Junior Scorchers ended third in Group B with nine points from five matches to book a place in the Round of 32 in Tier C of the World Cup.

Malizani stressed that he expects a win today.

“It is good to win, but if you cannot win, try to motivate them to enjoy play. Because we are here to enjoy, we are here to learn. They are still processing how to attack, how to defend, something like that,” the tactician said.

Previously, the team won against Chinese Taipei 3-2, Oman 3-2 and Suriname 3-1 and lost to Algeria 4-0 and Argentina 4-2.

The coach said he urged the players to focus on the next game and not the negatives.

“In the Argentina game, they were nervous but they changed their approach, especially in the Argentina game. We have also learnt that some teams were composed, tactically, and mentally,” Malizani said.

However, he said, since the team plays 8 plays each side, it is hard to know their opponents tactics.

“Some teams are coming with a different approach because we are stronger, they know now, the European teams, that we are stronger,” he said.

Winner of this game will face either Luxembourg or Liberia in the Tier C round of 16.

The 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is the inaugural edition of an international youth football competition organised by FIFA, eligible for players born in 2011 or 2012.

Matches started from 24 October and will conclude on 30 October 2026, Friday.

According to FIFA, a girls’ edition is scheduled for 2027. Both boys’ and girls’ tournaments are planned to take place annually from 2028.