The subsequent technology of worldwide soccer stars will take centre stage because the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 kicks off in Qatar on Monday — with an expanded 48-team format and loads of intrigue, however notably with out report champions Nigeria.
This yr’s version, the twentieth in match historical past, marks the beginning of a brand new period for youth soccer, promising extra video games, extra nations, and extra alternatives for rising expertise.
Key Dates
The match runs from 3 to 27 November, that includes 104 matches throughout almost 4 weeks of motion.
Group Stage: November 3–11
Spherical of 32: November 14–15
Spherical of 16: November 18
Quarterfinals: November 21
Semifinals: November 24
Third-Place Playoff & Last: November 27
Opening fixtures see South Africa face Bolivia, whereas Costa Rica tackle the United Arab Emirates.
Venues and Host
Qatar turns into the primary nation to host 5 consecutive U-17 World Cups. All matches might be performed inside the Aspire Zone advanced in Al Rayyan, simply outdoors Doha, with the ultimate on the historic Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, a forty five,857-seater that additionally hosted matches on the FIFA 2022 World Cup and AFC Asian Cup 2024.
That is the third time the U-17 World Cup might be staged within the Arab world, following Egypt (1997) and the UAE (2013).
Groups and Teams
The 2025 version introduces the expanded 48-team format, doubling the sector from the standard 24.
The nations are drawn into 12 teams of 4, as follows:
Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia
Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal
Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, UAE
