WATCH | FIFA U-17 World Cup: Check out the official mascot and anthem of the mega event!

Football minnows India stand on the cusp of history as the hosts are set to make their debut in a FIFA event against a formidable USA in a group match of the Under-17 World Cup, which begins in New Delhi on Friday.
India qualified automatically for the event as hosts.

The Indian team has prepared well with All India Football Federation (AIFF) sending the players for training tours in Europe and a tournament in Mexico but the home side are clear underdogs.

While the action on the pitch kicks off on Friday, fans in India have lapped up to the official mascot and the anthem of the tournament.

The official mascot of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup was announced back in February, with the organisers choosing Kheleao – a clouded leopard - as the mascot. The unveiling was carried out by the then Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel and the chairman of the Local Organising Committee and AIFF president Praful Patel.

In addition to this, the official FIFA anthem has caught on with fans in the country too. The catchy song has been composed by Pritam, while the lyrics have been penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. A host of singers like Shaan, Babul Supriyo, Sunidhi Chauhan, Papon and Mika Singh have lent their voice for this song. The video features icons like Bhaichung Bhutia and Sachin Tendulkar.

Here's the video:

After a match with the USA, the Indian Colts will lock horns with Colombia and Ghana on October 9 and October 12 respectively at the same venue.

(With agency inputs)