With six months remaining until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, excitement is steadily building for what will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
From November 3 to 27, as many as 48 national teams from six confederations will compete in Qatar, showcasing the future stars of world football.
This year’s tournament also marks the beginning of a new era, as Qatar will host the next five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The move affirms FIFA’s confidence in Qatar’s hosting capabilities and builds on the momentum of recent major events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – widely regarded as the best edition in tournament history – and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which was also hailed as the most successful in the competition’s history.
The U-17 tournament adds another milestone in Qatar’s long-term investment in youth football, infrastructure and global engagement through sport.
In the lead-up to this year’s event, young players from top South American clubs recently visited Qatar as part of a CONMEBOL initiative. Footballers from Argentina’s River Plate and Brazil’s Palmeiras toured stadiums, trained at world-class facilities and competed in friendly matches against local teams. The players also enjoyed cultural experiences, offering them a broader understanding of Qatar beyond the pitch.
"I come from a very humble neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, and I’m so happy for the opportunity to visit Qatar,” said Thiago Marin, a forward from River Plate.
“Football is my passion.” The players were visibly impressed by the facilities, including venues that hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup.
The 48-team tournament includes debutants such as El Salvador, Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Uganda and Zambia. Defending champions Germany return alongside former winners Brazil and France. Hosts Qatar aim to improve on their best finish – fourth place in 1991.
Qatar will also host the FIFA Arab Cup from December 1 to 18, adding to its packed football calendar and celebrating regional football.
