Rabat – Everything is set for the 2025 U17 FIFA World Cup. In the group stage, each team plays three matches against other teams in their group. Then the top two teams in the group automatically qualify for the knockout stage.
Along with the next best two teams from each group, the eight best third-placed teams, get to move on to the knockout phase that kicks off on November 14 with the Round of 32.
The group stage will continue until November 11. After which things start to pick up pace with the Round of 16, the quarter-finals and semi-finals — all building up to the final on November 27 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
This way of doing things makes every single game count, so teams will really need to be on their toes with consistent performances. It also gives teams who are just breaking onto the scene a real chance to shine on the world stage.
What makes this edition so special
The 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar is a real stand-out for a few key reasons. Not only do they have more teams than ever before (48), but there also is a new annual cycle in place, which is being hosted in Qatar with all the top venues at our disposal.
This gives the tournament a level of coherence and professionalism that will help teams prepare and perform at their best. For the smaller countries, this bigger format means they get much more exposure and experience. Because every game counts, from match one, they’re all going to be super tough.
This focus is about growth, development, and helping these young players build towards a future international career, making this edition of the U17 World Cup so special.
Key venues
- The Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan, Qatar is where most of the matches will take place. This complex has eight pitches thrown in along with one of the world’s top-tier sports infrastructures.
- The final match is going to be at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha and it’s a beauty, with a capacity of around 45,000 so that’s a bit of an electric atmosphere going on.
- Qatar has got the hosting rights for the U17 tournament locked down from 2025 through 2029.
Groups:
- Group A: Qatar (hosts), Italy, South Africa, Bolivia.
- Group B: Morocco, Japan, Portugal, New Caledonia.
- Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji
- Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt
- Group F: Mexico, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Switzerland
- Group G: Germany, Colombia, North Korea, El Salvador
- Group H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia
- Group I: USA, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia
- Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Ireland
- Group K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda
- Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia
Morocco’s Group B schedule
Here is the complete group match schedule for Morocco U17 team in Group B
- November 3: Japan vs Morocco.
- November 6: Portugal vs Morocco.
- November 9: Morocco vs New Caledonia.
Every single one of these fixtures is important for Morocco. That first match against Japan is the tone setter, then comes a real nailbiter against Portugal who have a lot of young talents. Last but not least, a match against New Caledonia where expectations are high.
With its totally revamped format and larger scale, the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar is a real turning point in the history of youth football.
For the Moroccan team there is a clear challenge ahead: make a good start, get through the tough bits, and use this chance to build for the future. The stage is set now and the young Atlas cubs hope to let the world hear them roar.
