Rabat – Morocco’s U-17 national team now knows the road ahead at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Following today’s official draw in Zurich, the young Atlas Lions were placed in Group H alongside Spain, China, and Fiji, setting up a fascinating challenge for the North African team. The competition will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13 and will be the second edition under FIFA’s new 48-team format.
The draw arrives shortly after Morocco secured qualification through the U-17 AFCON pathway, continuing the country’s recent momentum in youth football development. Morocco was among the latest African nations to officially seal its place at the tournament, alongside Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Tanzania, Algeria, Cameroon and two other teams that are yet to be determined.
Os grupos estão definidos! 🗓️
Quem será o campeão da #U17WC? pic.twitter.com/w4q6L6THWr
— Copa do Mundo FIFA🏆 (@fifaworldcup_pt) May 21, 2026
Group H has its unique challenges. Spain has the reputation of one of the world’s strongest youth football systems and is expected to be among the favorites. China have experience at international youth level, and Fiji represents one of Oceania’s emerging football stories.
Morocco, meanwhile, will believe it has a genuine opportunity to compete for qualification from a group that appears balanced beyond the Spanish challenge.
The 2026 edition continues FIFA’s expanded structure, featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the knockout rounds. The larger format gives more nations a realistic pathway beyond the group stage while increasing the scale of the competition.
Morocco now shifts attention toward preparation. The country has invested heavily in youth development in recent years, and expectations around its younger national teams are high. The countdown toward Qatar officially begins for the Atlas Lions.
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