The draw for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Doha, has set the stage for an exciting tournament featuring 48 teams from November 3 to 27, 2025.
Qatar who is the host were drawn into Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia, kicking off the first of five editions Qatar will host through 2029 under FIFA’s expanded format.
Tournament Overview and Draw Details
The ceremony was attended by former Qatari player Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti and Al Ahli Qatar’s German star Julian Draxler, divided the 48 teams into 12 groups of four.
The tournament will feature 104 matches across eight stadiums, primarily at the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, with the final set for Khalifa International Stadium on November 27.
This marks the first FIFA World Cup event across all categories to include 48 teams, a historic expansion.
The group stage will see the top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a 32-team knockout stage. The knockout rounds, starting with the round of 32, will follow a single-elimination format through to the final.
Group Stage Breakdown
The draw produced competitive groups, with notable matchups across the board:
- Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia
- Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal
- Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, UAE
- 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: United States, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czech Republic
- Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Ireland
- Group K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda
- Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia
Qatar’s Challenge and Tournament Significance
Qatar, as hosts, face a tough Group A, with Italy’s technical prowess, South Africa’s physicality, and Bolivia’s high-altitude experience posing challenges.
The tournament underscores Qatar’s growing role as a football hub, building on its 2022 World Cup legacy.
The Aspire Academy’s world-class facilities and Khalifa International Stadium’s iconic status ensure a high-quality experience for players and fans.
What to Expect
With powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, and Germany alongside emerging talents from Mali and Uzbekistan, the U-17 World Cup promises thrilling competition.
The knockout stage, featuring 32 teams, will intensify the drama, culminating in the November 27 final.
As Doha prepares to welcome the world’s best young footballers, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to showcase the future of the sport.
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