QATAR has entered the 100-day countdown to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025, with preparations now in full swing.
From November 3 to 27, the next generation of football stars will take centre stage as Qatar hosts the tournament for the first time.
This year’s edition is significant not only for being held in Qatar, but also for featuring an expanded format of 48 teams across 12 groups, making it the largest U-17 World Cup in history.
All matches will be played at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, with the final scheduled for Khalifa International Stadium, one of the venues from the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The tournament adds to Qatar’s growing portfolio as a trusted host of global football events.
Aspire Zone, known for its top-tier infrastructure, is not just a venue but a symbol of Qatar’s long-term commitment to developing young talent.
Hosts Qatar have been drawn in Group A, where they will face Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia.
Their campaign begins on November 3 against Italy.
The team will aim to surpass the nation’s best performance in the tournament, which came in 1991 with a fourth-place finish.
The group stage will feature eight matches per day, with a total of 104 matches throughout the tournament.
Fans can expect more than football as the cultural programs and a vibrant fan zone will enhance the overall experience.
The Aspire venue will also offer easy access via public transport and facilities for disabled fans.
Qatar is part of a strong Arab presence in the tournament, alongside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.
The region’s most notable achievement came in 1989, when Saudi Arabia lifted the U-17 World Cup trophy.
Qatar’s all-time top scorer Almoez Ali, a graduate of Aspire Academy, called the upcoming tournament a vital opportunity for young players to grow and gain international experience.
As a former youth player himself, Almoez highlighted how competing at the youth level against top global sides helped shape his own journey.
He believes the U-17 World Cup will give the new generation a sense of purpose and show them what is possible through hard work and dedication.
The U-17 tournament will be followed by the FIFA Arab Cup, scheduled from December 1 to 18, further highlighting Qatar’s packed football calendar.
Having successfully hosted events like the FIFA Club World Cup editions and the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar continues to reinforce its status as a global football hub.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 will add to that legacy showcasing future stars and reinforcing the country’s commitment to youth development in sport.
