In a significant announcement, FIFA revealed that Qatar and Morocco will host the Under-17 World Cup for boys and girls, respectively, for the next five years. This decision underscores FIFA’s commitment to promoting youth football and expanding opportunities for young players worldwide.
The boys’ Under-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from 2025 to 2029, while the girls’ tournament is slated to take place in Morocco during the same period. FIFA’s decision to designate single host nations for multiple editions aims to leverage existing football infrastructure, ensuring tournament efficiency and sustainability.
Previously, FIFA had disclosed plans to hold both youth tournaments annually, starting from the upcoming year. The boys’ event will witness an expansion from 24 to 48 teams, while the girls’ competition will see an increase from 16 to 24 participating teams.
Qatar’s selection as the host for the boys’ U-17 World Cup comes on the heels of its successful staging of the 2022 men’s World Cup and the recent hosting of the Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Morocco, which is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, continues to establish itself as a prominent destination for international football events.
Both Qatar and Morocco boast rich footballing histories, having previously organized the Club World Cup on multiple occasions. Morocco is also gearing up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, further highlighting its growing stature in the global football community.
The decision to expand the Under-17 World Cup aligns with FIFA’s broader strategy of inclusivity and development in football. This expansion mirrors the trend seen in other FIFA tournaments, such as the men’s 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, and the recent expansion of the Women’s World Cup to include 32 countries.
As the world eagerly awaits these upcoming tournaments, the focus remains on nurturing young talent and providing aspiring footballers with platforms to showcase their skills on the international stage.
