FIFA Announces U-17 World Cup Changes, Qatar To Host Next Five Years

FIFA has introduced significant alterations to the format of the U-17 World Cup, coinciding with the announcement of Qatar as the host for the next five editions of the tournament. This decision marks a pivotal moment for international youth football, aiming to nurture talent development and expand opportunities for young players worldwide.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup, a biennial event since its inception in 1985, will transition to an annual tournament starting from 2025. This shift reflects FIFA’s dedication to providing more frequent competitive platforms for emerging talents, which is expected to catalyze the development of football globally.

A key aspect of the revamp is the expansion of the tournament. The men’s U-17 World Cup will double its team count from 24 to 48, leading to an increase in matches and a broader participation base. This expansion will enable more countries to partake in the prestigious event, fostering inclusivity and diversity in youth football.

Similarly, the women’s U-17 World Cup will undergo growth, expanding from 16 to 24 teams and adopting an annual schedule from 2025 onwards. Morocco has been designated as the host for the next five editions of the women’s tournament, demonstrating FIFA’s commitment to advancing women’s football on par with the men’s category.

Qatar, renowned for its successful hosting of the men’s senior World Cup in 2022, will now host the boys’ Under-17 World Cup from 2025 to 2029. This decision underscores Qatar’s capability and expertise in organizing major football events, leveraging its state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure developed for the 2022 showcase.

The selection of Qatar as the repeated host aligns with FIFA’s objectives of sustainability and efficiency in utilizing existing footballing infrastructure. It also signifies Qatar’s growing influence in the global football community, solidifying its position as a key player in the world of sports hosting.

These changes were unveiled ahead of the 74th FIFA Congress, reflecting FIFA’s broader strategy to enhance the global football ecosystem. The revamped U-17 World Cup format and Qatar’s hosting announcements mark significant milestones in the evolution of international youth football, promising a brighter future for young talents aspiring to make their mark on the world stage.

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