The 20th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup begins on November 3 in Doha, Qatar, featuring a record 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history. Host nation Qatar will open the competition against Italy at 6:45pm on Pitch No. 7 at Aspire Zone. Over 25 days, 104 matches will unfold across eight stadiums in Aspire Zone, culminating in the final at Khalifa International Stadium on November 27.
The expanded format divides the 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32 knockout stage. This marks the first annual edition of the tournament, shifting from its previous biennial schedule. Qatar, as hosts, top Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia.
Qatar's U-17 team, coached by Spaniard Alvaro Mejia, enters with ambitions to surpass their best finish of fourth place in 1991. Preparations included an overseas camp with friendlies: a 2-1 loss to Belgium, 3-0 defeat to Croatia, and 2-1 win over Ukraine. The squad also gained match experience at last month's GCC U-17 Cup in Doha.
The opening day features eight matches starting at 3:30pm, including Bolivia vs South Africa on Aspire Field No. 3 and Costa Rica vs United Arab Emirates on Field No. 8. Other fixtures: Senegal vs Croatia, Morocco vs Japan, Portugal vs New Caledonia, Tunisia vs Fiji, and Argentina vs Belgium. Six Arab nations participate: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Germany enters as defending champions after their 2023 penalty shootout win over France in Indonesia. Debutants include Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador, and Uganda. All matches occur at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex, fostering a football festival atmosphere with fan zones offering cultural programs, e-gaming, and family activities from 1:30pm on match days.
The mascot, BOMA the Owl, draws inspiration from Serbian coach Velibor Milutinović. Tickets start at QAR 20, available at www.roadtoqatar.qa. This edition launches Qatar's hosting of the next five U-17 World Cups through 2029.