FIFA U-17 World Cup on display in Doha.

DOHA, Nov 2, (KUNA): The FIFA U-17 World Cup begins tomorrow in Doha, Qatar, running until November 27, featuring a record 48 national teams for the first time in the tournament’s history. Over 25 days, 104 matches will take place across eight stadiums within the Aspire Academy complex, with the final set for Khalifa International Stadium. Each stage of the competition will host eight matches daily.

Germany enters as defending champions, having won the previous edition in Indonesia in 2023, beating France 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final.

The tournament’s official logo, unveiled in May, integrates the U-17 trophy within the letter “U,” forming a bold silhouette and a symbolic beam of light. The dynamic design reflects football’s global reach, inclusiveness, and energy while highlighting FIFA and Qatar’s shared mission of showcasing emerging talent.

The official mascot, an owl named after the Arabic word for “owl,” honors Serbian coach Bora Milutinovic, the only manager to lead five different national teams in consecutive FIFA World Cups. The mascot symbolizes wisdom, vision, and guidance, echoing Milutinovic’s legacy in talent development.

The 2025 edition marks a historic expansion to 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. Six Arab nations are participating: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Opening-day fixtures include Senegal vs. Croatia, Argentina vs. Belgium, South Africa vs. Bolivia, New Caledonia vs. Portugal, Japan vs. Morocco, Qatar vs. Italy, Costa Rica vs. UAE, and Tunisia vs. Fiji. Tickets are available at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with daily prices starting at QAR 20 (around USD 6).

Historically, Nigeria leads with five U-17 World Cup titles, followed by Brazil with four. Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation to win the tournament in 1989, defeating hosts Scotland 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

In March 2024, FIFA awarded Qatar the rights to host the next five U-17 World Cup editions (2025–2029), making Qatar the 20th nation to host the tournament, which began in 1985 in China as the FIFA U-16 World Championship before being rebranded in 1991 and adopting its current U-17 World Cup title in 2007.