Lima Youngsters Compete in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup

The 15 countries, namely Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador, and Uganda, made their debut in2025 U-17 World Cupheld in Qatar from November 3 to 27. This tournament was participated by 48 teams from six confederations divided into 12 groups.

Those five countries will compete against other teams, most of which have already gained experience participating in this age-level World Championship, in order to qualify for the knockout stage. Later, the top two teams in each group, as well as the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32.

Sheikh Hamad, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, said Qatar is proud to host this first 48-team FIFA tournament, which will feature future football stars. The global football competition, he said, is another proof of the country's enduring commitment to promoting football at all levels.

"we are proud to host the first 48-team FIFA tournament, which will showcase extraordinary football talent and celebrate the power of sports in bringing people together from around the world," said Hamad, quoted.Qatar Tribune, Monday 3, November 2025.

According to him, this championship will give rise to future football stars and continue the legacy of Aspire Academy in producing elite athletes. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will strengthen Qatar's position as a global sports destination. "Continuously setting new standards in the player and fan experience," said Hamad.

These six debutant teams represent six confederations. For example, Fiji represents the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which includes three teams. The other two teams representing OFC are New Caledonia and New Zealand. Fiji is in Group D, which includes Argentina, Belgium, and Tunisia.

In addition, Uganda and Zambia advanced along with eight other representatives from the Confederation of African Football. A total of 10 teams represent CAF, namely Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia. Uganda is in Group K, which also includes France, Canada, and Chile. Meanwhile, Zambia is in Group H, which includes Indonesia, Brazil, and Honduras.

Then, El Salvador represented the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF). CONCACAF has eight teams as its representatives, namely Canada, Costa Rica, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the United States. El Salvador is part of Group G, which includes the defending champion Germany, as well as Colombia and North Korea.

Finally, the Republic of Ireland is a debutant team representing the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). They are joined by ten other teams: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. The Republic of Ireland is grouped in Group L, which includes Austria, Mali, and Saudi Arabia.

Zambia, one of the five debutant teams from Africa, will be the first team that the Indonesia U-17 national team will face in the opening match of Group H at the first round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. In this group, on the same day there will also be a match between Brazil and Honduras.

The Qatar U-17 World Cup, which is attended by 48 participating teams, will feature 104 matches. All matches will be played at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, on eight fields. While the final match will be held on November 27 at the Khalifa International Stadium, which is also located in the complex.

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