The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 begins in Qatar on Monday, ushering in the largest-ever edition of the youth showpiece. A record 48 teams will compete over three weeks, all in Doha, as the next generation of global talent vies for glory.
Hosts Qatar face Italy in the tournament opener at the Aspire Zone, while regional neighbours UAE take on Costa Rica in their first Group C clash. The Khalifa International Stadium, modernised for the FIFA World Cup 2022, will host the final on November 27.
Biggest U-17 World Cup in History
Expanding from 24 to 48 nations, this year’s edition reflects the growing reach of youth football. The opening day will feature eight matches, including Argentina vs Belgium, Senegal vs Croatia, South Africa vs Bolivia, and Japan vs Morocco.
It’s also a landmark for the Arab world, hosting the tournament for the third time after Egypt (1997) and the UAE (2013).
Hosts Qatar: Ready to Make History
The young Qatari squad, guided by Spanish coach Alvaro Mejía, have completed an intensive preparation programme featuring several international tournaments.
We’ve worked hard to prepare for this moment. The players understand what it means to represent Qatar, and we’re ready to compete.
Forward Zaid Faisal Ktit believes the team is well-equipped for a strong start: “Italy are a strong team but all teams in this tournament will be tough. Of course, we will have to play well and we are looking forward to it.”
We will play a great game. Italy is a tough team, but there are no weak teams in the World Cup. It’s a proud moment for us to represent our country on home soil, and we will do our best in all the matches.
The Khalifa International Stadium — a national landmark since 1976 — will again take centre stage, continuing its legacy from the 2022 World Cup.
UAE Target Strong Start in Fourth Appearance
The UAE are back on the U-17 world stage for the fourth time, after previous appearances in 1991 (Italy), 2009 (Nigeria) and 2013 (as hosts). Head coach Majid Salem Al Zaabi said the players are motivated to perform on the global stage.
Our participation represents a historic moment for every player in the national team and an opportunity to prove their abilities to the world. We’ve built a clear identity based on discipline, fighting spirit and teamwork, and we strive to be up to the task.
Speaking about their first opponents, he added: “The Costa Rican national team is characterised by physical strength and defensive organisation, and we know their strengths and weaknesses very well. The players realise the importance of a strong start in our opening match, and we will play with confidence and determination to achieve a positive result that will give us a great morale boost for the rest of the tournament.”
The UAE will wear white throughout the group stage and will meet Croatia on November 6 and Senegal on November 9.
Defending Champions Germany Confident of Repeat
Germany, under coach Marc-Patrick Meister, arrive as defending champions following their maiden triumph in 2023, when they defeated France in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Indonesia.
It was our second day of training. There’s an outstanding atmosphere in the team as well. We are looking forward to an excellent World Cup.
“We have exciting teams here. Yes, against the European teams we play regularly but our group stage teams are exciting. We play Colombia, El Salvador and North Korea. They have experience, and us playing against them will be a great experience for our young players.”
He praised the tournament setup, adding: “The FIFA pitches here are outstanding. So far we have had a great time. The hotels are good. We came directly here from Dubai. We were sparring against the Canadian team.”
On carrying the weight of expectation, he reflected: “Winning the 2023 World Cup was outstanding. Even for us, it’s a role model of how they performed. To win a penalty shootout, you have to be strong, believe in yourself and your team members. This is what we are preparing with our teammates as well.”
Germany’s Group G campaign begins against Honduras on Tuesday, with Colombia, North Korea, and El Salvador completing the group.
Brazil Eye Fifth Title
Four-time champions Brazil start their campaign on Tuesday against Honduras, aiming to equal Nigeria’s record of five U-17 world titles. Nigeria, however, did not qualify this year. Brazil coach Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Patetuci was impressed by Qatar’s preparations.
The atmosphere here in Qatar is great, the environment is wonderful, and we’re very happy to be here. It’s going to be a beautiful World Cup.
Tournament Schedule: Group Stage: Nov 3–11; Round of 32: Nov 14–15; Round of 16: Nov 18; Quarterfinals: Nov 21; Semifinals: Nov 24; Third-place & Final: Nov 27; Opening Match: Qatar vs Italy, Nov 3, 4:30 pm (UAE time).
Group Teams: A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia; B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal; C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, UAE; D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji; E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt; F: Mexico, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Switzerland; G: Germany, Colombia, North Korea, El Salvador; H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia; I: United States, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia; J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland; K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda; L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia.
Venues in Focus: Khalifa International Stadium: Built in 1976 and revamped for the 2022 World Cup, this 45,857-seater will host the semifinals and final.
Aspire Zone Football Pitches: A hub for youth development, the complex will stage the majority of group-stage fixtures.
