When does the U-17 World Cup start? Dates, groups, where it is played and the most important things about the tournament

T he 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 3 to 27 , marking a historic new chapter in youth soccer. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups , doubling the traditional 24-team format. All matches will be played at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, while the final will be held at Doha's Khalifa International Stadium , which has a capacity of 45,000 spectators.

What are the dates for the U-17 World Cup?

The tournament will open with two matches: South Africa vs. Bolivia and Costa Rica vs. United Arab Emirates , both on November 3. The group stage will run until November 11 , and from November 14 the round of 16 will begin, followed by the knockout stages until the grand final on the 27th.

A total of 104 matches will be played, a record number for the world's most important youth tournament. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-placed teams. If the matches are tied in regulation time, they will be decided directly by penalties, with no extra time.

What are the groups for the 2025 U-17 World Cup?

Among the 48 teams are historical powerhouses and newcomers. In Group A, hosts Qatar will share with Italy, South Africa and Bolivia , while Group D promises a high level with Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia and Fiji. Mexico will be in Group F along with South Korea, Ivory Coast and Switzerland, and the United States will play in Group I with Burkina Faso, Tajikistan and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Brazil leads Group H along with Honduras, Indonesia and Zambia.

The tournament will also feature European teams such as France, Germany, England, Portugal and Croatia , as well as African representatives such as Senegal, Mali and Egypt.

Global expectation for young talent

Qatar will once again be the center of world football following the success of the 2022 World Cup. This U-17 edition will be a showcase for future football stars, many of whom could shine in the elite in a few years' time.

Former Qatari footballer Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiti was in charge of conducting the draw in Doha, highlighting the country's ambition to establish itself as a key destination for major sporting events.

The final will be played on November 27 in Doha , at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT), in an event that promises to crown the next champion of the future of world football.

England Portugal FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Argentina Brazil France Germany

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