The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to make history as the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, marking a new era for youth football. Hosted in Doha, Qatar, the competition will run from November 3 to November 27, 2025, bringing together the brightest young football talents from around the globe.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from the full match schedule and group details to the venues, format, and key dates of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.
Overview: A Landmark Tournament for Global Youth Football
For the first time in history, the FIFA U-17 World Cup expands to a 48-team format, doubling its previous size. Qatar, which successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022, now turns its world-class infrastructure toward youth football.
The tournament will begin on November 3 and conclude with the grand final on November 27 at the Khalifa International Stadium — a 45,000-seat venue that previously hosted major World Cup 2022 matches.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Key Facts
- Host country: Qatar
- Dates: November 3–27, 2025
- Number of teams: 48 (first time ever)
- Matches: 104
- Main venues: Aspire Zone pitches (Al Rayyan) and Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
- Opening matches: South Africa vs Bolivia, Costa Rica vs United Arab Emirates
- Final venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
Tournament Format: How the U-17 World Cup 2025 Works
The 48 participating teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group automatically progress to the Round of 32, joined by the eight best third-placed teams.
From there, the tournament follows a traditional knockout format:
- Round of 32
- Round of 16
- Quarterfinals
- Semifinals
- Third-place match
- Final
If matches end in a draw during the knockout stage, no extra time will be played. Winners will be decided directly via penalty shootouts.
Venues: Where the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 Matches Will Be Played
All matches leading up to the final will take place across eight pitches within the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, an advanced sports hub featuring cutting-edge facilities.
The final match will be hosted at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, a state-of-the-art arena with a seating capacity of 45,857, previously a centerpiece of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Groups and Teams – FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025
Here’s the full lineup of teams and groups for this historic youth football event:
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
USA, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia
Group J
Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Ireland
Group K
France, Chile, Canada, Uganda
Group L
Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 Full Match Schedule
The group stage will take place from November 3 to November 11, followed by rest days on November 12–13. The knockout stages begin on November 14 with the Round of 32, leading up to the final on November 27.
Opening Day: November 3, 2025
- South Africa vs Bolivia – Aspire Zone, Pitch 3 (3:30 PM local time)
- Costa Rica vs UAE – Aspire Zone, Pitch 8 (3:30 PM)
- Qatar vs Italy – Aspire Zone, Pitch 7 (6:45 PM)
- Argentina vs Belgium – Aspire Zone, Pitch 2 (5:45 PM)
The group stage continues with multiple fixtures each day until November 11, showcasing teams from all continents.
Knockout Stage Schedule
Round of 32
- Dates: November 14–15, 2025
- Venues: Aspire Zone (Pitches 1–9)
Round of 16
- Date: November 18, 2025
Quarterfinals
- Date: November 21, 2025
Semifinals
- Date: November 24, 2025
Third-Place Match and Final
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Final Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
Players to Watch
Fans can expect to see some of the world’s most promising young talents take center stage. Among the standout names is Djylian N’Guessan of France, who is expected to be one of the stars of the tournament. Other top prospects from Brazil, Argentina, and Japan will also look to make their mark.
Why the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar Matters
The 2025 edition represents a major milestone in FIFA’s youth development strategy, giving more nations the chance to compete on the world stage. With world-class facilities, innovative cooling technology, and a compact tournament layout, Qatar promises an unforgettable football experience.
The expansion to 48 teams also underscores FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and global reach, offering new opportunities for emerging football nations across Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
How to Watch the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025
Fans around the world can watch live broadcasts through official FIFA partners and local broadcasters, with streaming available on FIFA+ and national sports networks. Match highlights, replays, and live commentary will also be featured on social media and official FIFA digital platforms.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is more than just a youth tournament — it’s a celebration of football’s next generation. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and a world-class setting in Qatar, this will be one of the most exciting global football events of 2025.
From South America to Asia, Europe to Africa, young stars will battle for glory — and perhaps even the first step toward future World Cup stardom.
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