The Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has announced that the country is ready to stage the tournament from November 3 to November 27. The update was shared at a press briefing held at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel inside the Aspire Zone. This edition marks the first of five consecutive tournaments Qatar will host up to 2029, inviting supporters and squads from around the world to its high-quality sporting venues and modern amenities.

Eng. Abdulaziz Fakhroo, Director of Transportation and Mobility with the Local Organizing Committee, said Qatar stands prepared to welcome 48 youth national teams. He pointed to the nation’s experience from staging global events, notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as a foundation for organising this competition. Fakhroo framed the U-17 tournament as a continuation of Qatar’s commitment to building a lasting sports legacy.

Fakhroo detailed that the Aspire competition complex is fully equipped for match play and that detailed transport and mobility arrangements are in place. Organisers have earmarked parking for some 3,900 vehicles, while the Doha Metro will be promoted as the primary transit option for fans. Qatar’s road network and public transport services are expected to allow comfortable travel between stadiums and for visitors exploring Doha during the event.

Drawing on lessons from previous large-scale events, Fakhroo said the LOC has refined its operational approach. Hosting all matches within the single footprint of Aspire Zone is a new, streamlined model designed to boost fan engagement and simplify logistics. A concise opening ceremony will precede the kickoff match between Qatar and Italy on November 3 at Pitch No. 7 in Aspire, officially launching the tournament.

Eng. Jassim Al Obaidli, Senior Director of Facilities Management at the Organizing Committee, confirmed that Qatar is ready to accommodate the largest U-17 edition to date. With 48 teams entered, he stressed that facilities meet FIFA standards and that concentrating the competition in one area presents challenges but also highlights Qatar’s organisational strengths. Al Obaidli noted this event will be the first in a sequence that strengthens Qatar’s international reputation in sports hosting.

Ahmed Al Ahmad Al Meghessib, Senior Director of Marketing Operations, unveiled the “Road to Qatar” ticketing app, which will let fans buy, manage and transfer tickets digitally. The app includes options for fans with disabilities and special parking permits. Purchases are limited to six tickets per person per day, with prices starting from QR 15 for finals and QR 20 for daily match access. Supporters can also opt for “Support Your Team” tickets to back Qatar’s U-17 side during the group phase.

Al Meghessib described a Fan Zone programme offering family-friendly entertainment, promotional activities, cultural showcases and food pavilions to create a festival atmosphere around the matches. He added that the “Road to Qatar” platform will be used for future events such as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 and the FIFA Club Confederations Cup 2025, providing a single gateway for fans attending multiple tournaments.

Director of Local and Regional Media Mohammed Al Khanji said the media accreditation system has logged around 1,000 applications from reporters worldwide, a sign of global interest. Preparations are under way for a dedicated media centre and press conference facilities to support comprehensive coverage and working conditions for journalists.

The tournament will stage 104 matches across eight pitches inside Aspire Zone, culminating with the final on November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium, a landmark venue from the 2022 World Cup. Keeping all fixtures within one zone allows spectators to see multiple games in a single day and helps sustain a lively, communal atmosphere throughout the competition.

In the official draw, Qatar’s U-17 side landed in Group A with Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The home team opens its campaign against Italy on November 3, with ambitions to improve on its best historic finish of fourth place in 1991. The Local Organizing Committee expressed hope that the event will energise young players across Qatar and beyond.