Khaberni - Just a few days separate us from the kickoff of the U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which will mark a turning point in the global football scene for youth, and is the first of five consecutive editions hosted by Qatar until 2029.
As we anticipate the whistle of the first match in the U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, taking place from November 3 to 27 in the Aspire Zone competitions complex, a center of sports excellence, we spotlight some information and facts about the tournament.
The first World Cup tournament with 48 teams participating
The U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will see a significant expansion in the tournament format compared to previous editions, with 48 teams participating in a first of its kind in World Cup history. The sports event will feature 104 matches over 25 days, where rising talents from around the world compete for the title of world champion for youth teams. The teams are divided into 12 groups, each containing four teams.
Teams participating for the first time on the global stage
The U-17 World Cup gathers the most promising football talents from the six continental football associations. This year, five teams will participate for the first time in the U-17 World Cup, namely, Fiji, the Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador, and Uganda.
A closely spaced championship
The tournament matches will be held in eight stadiums at the Aspire Zone competitions complex, while the final match will take place on November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium, one of the World Cup stadiums that hosted matches in the 2022 World Cup Qatar. Hosting the matches in a single area facilitates the movement of fans between games and enhances the festive atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Easy access to the stadiums
The Aspire Zone area is close to the Sports City station on the Gold Line of the Doha Metro, which enables easy access for fans, reduces congestion, and decreases the use of personal vehicles.
Community participation in supporting championship operations
500 volunteers from Qatar participate in supporting the operational aspects of the tournament, including guiding fans, logistics, site services, and more, ensuring a world-class experience for both fans and players alike.
Festive atmosphere and a soccer festival
During the tournament, the fan zone will feature events reflecting the cultural diversity of the 48 participating teams, along with a range of cultural and entertainment activities involving various communities in Qatar.
The program of cultural and entertainment activities will include live broadcasts of matches, a soccer field hosting a community mimic of the U-17 World Cup, performances of cultural works, youth performance segments, music shows, as well as an area designated for showcasing the championship trophy, another for electronic games, and a food and beverage area offering a multitude of local and international flavors and cuisines.
