Doha: Qatar is set to host the 20th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, marking its first time hosting the prestigious tournament. Scheduled to take place from November 3 to 27, this edition will feature 48 teams, marking a historic increase in participation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the FIFA Council has granted Qatar the rights to host the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held annually from 2025 to 2029. This decision makes Qatar the 20th country to host the tournament since its inception in 1985.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup began as the FIFA U-16 World Championship in China with 16 participating teams. Over the years, the tournament underwent several changes, including a name change to the U-17 World Championship in 1991, and later, to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007. The number of teams has also increased over time, expanding to 24 teams in 2007 during the South Korea edition.
Historically, the tournament has been a platform for emerging football talents. Nigeria won the inaugural 1985 edition, defeating West Germany 2-0. The Soviet Union claimed victory in the 1987 edition in Canada, overcoming Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Saudi Arabia became the first Arab team to win in 1989 in Scotland, against the hosts.
Subsequent editions saw Ghana, Brazil, and Nigeria dominating the tournament. Ghana secured victories in Italy (1991) and Ecuador (1995), while Brazil claimed titles in 1997, 1999, and 2003. France, Mexico, and Switzerland have also found success, with France winning in Trinidad and Tobago (2001), Mexico in Peru (2005) and Mexico (2011), and Switzerland triumphing in Nigeria (2009).
The tournament has seen a diverse range of hosts, from Finland in 2003 to India in 2017. Notable victories include England's first title in 2017 and Brazil's home soil win in 2019. The most recent edition in 2023 saw Germany win its first-ever title in Indonesia, defeating France in a penalty shootout.
Qatar's hosting of the 2025 edition promises to continue the tournament's legacy, providing a stage for young footballers to showcase their talents on an international platform.