Historic FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Draw Sets Stage for Thrilling Tournament
In a highly anticipated event, the draw for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 took place in Doha on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the championship, making it the largest FIFA World Cup tournament across all categories. The Qatari national team has been placed in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from November 3 to 27, will feature 104 matches played over 25 days across eight stadiums within the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence. The final match will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. The draw ceremony was attended by former Qatari player Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti and German player Julian Draxler, who currently plays for Al Ahli Qatar.
The 48 participating teams have been divided into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage. This format ensures that 32 teams will progress to the next round, making for a thrilling and unpredictable competition. Notable groups include Group B, featuring Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, and Portugal, and Group C, which includes Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, and the UAE.
Other groups of interest are Group D, consisting of Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, and Fiji, and Group E, which contains England, Venezuela, Haiti, and Egypt. The knockout rounds will commence with the round of 32, followed by the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final match on November 27. With the stage set for an action-packed tournament, football fans from around the world can look forward to witnessing the next generation of stars in action.
As the first of five editions awarded to Qatar until 2029, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. With its expanded format and diverse range of participating teams, this tournament is poised to captivate audiences globally. As the world’s top young footballers gather in Qatar, the stage is set for a celebration of skill, passion, and sportsmanship that will leave a lasting impression on the beautiful game.
