The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 will begin in Qatar on November 3, marking the start of an exciting month-long tournament. With a record 48 teams competing, the event promises to showcase the next generation of football stars. The tournament will be held at various venues across Qatar, culminating in the final at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 27.
Key Dates and Tournament Schedule
The tournament will span nearly a month, with the group stage starting on November 3 and running through November 11. The knockout rounds will follow, with the Round of 32 held on November 14 and 15, the Round of 16 on November 18, and the quarterfinals on November 21. The semifinals will take place on November 24, and the final will be played on November 27.
Venues and Locations
This year marks the beginning of Qatar’s five-year hosting streak for the U-17 World Cup. All matches up until the final will be held at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, located just 9 km from Doha. The final will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium, a historic venue with a capacity of 45,857. Built in 1976, the stadium previously hosted matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Teams and Format
For the first time, the U-17 World Cup will feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout rounds. This includes the Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
Among the teams competing are Brazil, aiming for a record fifth title, and Portugal, who recently won the U-17 European Championship. Other strong contenders include France and Mexico. However, Germany, the defending champions, enter the tournament with lower expectations after their early exit in the 2023 European Championship.
Top Players to Watch
Several talented players are expected to shine at the U-17 World Cup. Italy’s Samuele Inacio, the top scorer at the European Championship with five goals, is a key player to watch. France’s Djylian N’Guessan, who scored nine goals during the Euro qualifiers, is also a standout. Argentina’s Thomas de Martis, the top scorer at the South American U-17 Championship, will look to make an impact, as will Uzbekistan’s Sadriddin Khasanov, named the most valuable player at the U-17 Asian Cup.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the U-17 World Cup are now available for purchase through FIFA’s official platform. Five types of tickets are offered, including day passes and standalone final tickets. Day passes, which provide access to six selected pitches, are priced at around $5.50, while final tickets start at approximately $4. Broadcasters in select countries, including Brazil, the UK, and the US, will provide coverage of the event.
For more details on the match schedule, teams, and tournament format, check out this full match schedule.
With five countries making their debut at the U-17 World Cup this year, including El Salvador, Fiji, and Zambia, the 2025 tournament is set to be one of the most thrilling yet.
