FIFA U-17 World Cup: Qatar to open tournament against Italy tomorrow

Doha, Qatar: The 20th edition of the FIFA U 17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will kick off in Doha Monday, running until Nov. 27, with the participation of 48...

Doha, Qatar: The 20th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will kick off in Doha Monday, running until Nov. 27, with the participation of 48 national teams -- the largest number in the tournament’s history.

This edition marks the first of five consecutive tournaments that Doha will host until 2029. Matches will take place across eight stadiums within the Aspire Academy over 25 days, featuring a total of 104 matches, with eight games played daily throughout the various stages of the competition.

The final match will carry special significance as it will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, one of the iconic venues of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Qatar national team will officially open the tournament, facing Italy at 6:45pm tomorrow (Monday) on Pitch No. 7 at Aspire in Group A, which also includes South Africa and Bolivia.

Al-Annabi is aiming for a strong start and a successful campaign, hoping to surpass its best-ever result, the fourth place in the 1991 edition in Italy. That remains Qatar’s standout achievement from its seven previous appearances in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, and 2005.