Clockwise from top left: Goalkeeper Jassim Al Hammadi; Assistant coach and former UAE player Nawaf Mubarak; and UAE player Abdulrahman Al Awani
Doha, Qatar: With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 set to kick off in less than two weeks, the UAE U-17 national team is finalising preparations for what promises to be a landmark tournament for youth football globally.
Scheduled from November 3-27, the competition marks the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions through 2029.
Drawn into Group C alongside Senegal, Croatia and Costa Rica, the UAE U- 17 national team will begin their journey on November 3, at Aspire Park’s Pitch 8 against Costa Rica.For the young Emirati players, this competition is the realisation of a lifelong dream.
Goalkeeper Jassim Al Hammadi looks forward to playing in Qatar after it successfully hosted a historic edition of the FIFA World Cup: "As a fan, it was a wonderful experience to watch the World Cup in Qatar and now being able to play and train in the same facilities used by Messi and Ronaldo is really exciting."
He added: "We take great responsibility and pride in playing football at the U-17 World Cup. I want to give my best for the UAE and play for the first team in the future."
While Al Hammadi draws inspiration from football's greats, his teammate Abdulrahman Al Awani is focused on making his own mark. For the young player, this tournament represents uncharted territory. "This is the first major tournament I will be playing in. I am confident we will do well. I hope to make my family and country proud. Football means everything to me."
Having witnessed Qatar's preparations first-hand, assistant coach and former UAE player Nawaf Mubarak is impressed by what awaits the teams. "Qatar hosted an amazing World Cup and showed its capabilities to the world. The sporting infrastructure is impressive. The country is beautiful. Everything from hotels to stadiums, and transportation is world-class."
For Mubarak, the team’s ambitions are clear and bold. "In this World Cup, we hope to advance as far as possible and to showcase to the world the true potential of our country as strong contenders in international football."
The tournament's unique hosting concept will see all 104 matches contested at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex.
All tickets will be digital, with Day Passes available for just QAR 20, allowing fans to watch multiple matches throughout the day while enjoying cultural and entertainment activities. Supporters of the Qatar National Team can avail the Follow My Team package to follow the young Maroons through every group stage match.
Accessible tickets, including wheel chair-accessible seats are available throughout the tournament. Requests for accessible tickets can be submitted to [email protected].
The tournament will culminate on November 27 at the Khalifa International Stadium, with tickets to the final available across two categories, starting from QR15.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks the beginning of an exceptional period of elite football competition in Qatar. Taking place from November 3-27, the tournament will be followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 on December 1-18 and the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 on December 10, 13, and 17.
For tickets and the full match schedule, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa.
