FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 48 teams

The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025, featuring a record 48 teams, begins in Qatar on November 3, marking a new milestone in youth football. The tournament will run till November 27, with the final set to take place at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. All group and knockout matches up to the semifinals will be played at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan. This edition marks the first of five consecutive U-17 World Cups to be hosted by Qatar.

The competition starts with a group stage from November 3 to 11, followed by the Round of 32 on November 14 and 15. The knockout phase continues with the Round of 16 on November 18, quarterfinals on November 21, semifinals on November 24, and both the third-place match and final on November 27. The format includes 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams and the best eight third-placed sides advancing to the Round of 32.

Teams from all six confederations are participating, including football powerhouses like Brazil, France, and Portugal, as well as emerging teams like Uzbekistan and Morocco. Brazil, the reigning South American champions, enter as favourites, aiming to equal Nigeria’s record of five U-17 World Cup titles. Portugal and France are also strong contenders, while Germany, the defending champions, are under pressure after an early exit in the recent U-17 Euros.

The tournament is also a platform for rising stars. Italy’s Samuele Inacio, France’s Djylian N’Guessan, Argentina’s Thomas de Martis, and Uzbekistan’s Sadriddin Khasanov are among the top young talents to watch. The U-17 World Cup has previously launched the careers of global stars like Cesc Fàbregas, Toni Kroos, and Phil Foden, making it a crucial event for scouting the future of football.

Tickets for matches are available through FIFA’s official channels, with affordable options for fans in Qatar and abroad. The event is set to be broadcast across major markets, ensuring global viewership for the next generation of footballing talent.