Your Guide to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Everything You Need to Know About the Tournament
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 will unfold in Qatar, showcasing the future stars of football. This tournament, starting on November 3, will feature an expanded lineup of 48 teams, marking a significant increase from the previous 24-team format.
Key Dates for the Tournament
The FIFA U-17 World Cup is packed with exciting matches and crucial dates. Here’s a breakdown:
- Group Stage: November 3 to 11
- Round of 32: November 14 and 15
- Round of 16: November 18
- Quarterfinals: November 21
- Semifinals: November 24
- Third-place Playoff: November 27
- Final: November 27
Location of the Tournament
Qatar will host this prestigious event across eight stadiums within the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan. This location lies approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Doha’s central area. The final will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, which holds 45,857 spectators. This historic venue has witnessed major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Participating Teams
The tournament features 48 national teams divided into 12 groups. The groups are structured as follows:
- Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia
- Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal
- Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates
- Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji
- Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt
- Group F: Mexico, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Switzerland
- Group G: Germany, Colombia, North Korea, El Salvador
- Group H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia
- Group I: US, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia
- Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland
- Group K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda
- Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia
Tournament Format
The competition will adopt a knockout format following the group stage. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32.
Importance of the U-17 World Cup
The U-17 World Cup is a pivotal event for young footballers, often serving as a gateway to professional careers. Previous winners, such as Cesc Fabregas and Phil Foden, gained recognition at this tournament. It offers viewers a glimpse of potential future stars shaping the football landscape.
Favorites and Key Players
Several nations are positioned as frontrunners in the tournament, with Brazil aiming for their fifth title. Other strong contenders include:
- Portugal: Recent U-17 Euro champions.
- France: Historically successful in tournaments.
- Mexico: Looking to capitalize on their experience.
Notable players to watch include:
- Samuele Inacio (Italy): Top scorer at the U-17 Euros.
- Djylian N’Guessan (France): Known for his exceptional finishing.
- Thomas de Martis (Argentina): The standout striker from the South American U-17 Championship.
- Sadriddin Khasanov (Uzbekistan): MVP of the U-17 Asian Cup.
How to Purchase Tickets and Stream the Tournament
Fans can buy tickets through FIFA’s official platform, with various options available. Day passes provide access to multiple matches and cost around $5.50. Final match tickets start at approximately $4. Broadcasting rights have been secured in several nations, enabling fans worldwide to enjoy the thrilling matches.
As the tournament approaches, excitement builds for the remarkable footballing talent on display at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar.
