tag

General public tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 are now on sale at www.roadtoqatar.qa, as Qatar gets ready to welcome young generation for yet another spectacular edition of the prestigious competition.   Taking place from November 19 to December 13, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will be held at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches. The final will take place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Fans can be part of the electrifying football festival-like atmosphere by purchasing a Day Pass, which will enable them to attend up to eight matches a day at Aspire Zone, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone.Day Passes are priced at QR20 per matchday for the group stage, round of 32, round of 16 and quarter-finals. A maximum of six Day Pass tickets per person can be purchased per matchday. All tickets are digital.A Prime Pass is also available, which will enable fans to reserve seats for high demand matches. Tickets are priced at QR35 for the group stage, Round of 32 and Round of 16, the quarter-finals and semi-finals, and QR20 for the Third-place play-off. A maximum of four Prime Passes per person can be purchased for each main pitch per matchday. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Egypt, Greece and Panama, and will play their opening match against Panama on November 19 at 6:30pm.  For the final, tickets are available in Category 1 at QR30 and Category 2 at QR15. A maximum of six tickets per person can be purchased for the Final. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar will offer a barrier-free experience, with accessible seating options available for disabled fans. Accessibility tickets are priced at QR20 for group stage through to Third-place play-off, and QR15 for the dinal, and include one complimentary companion ticket.  Disabled fans can purchase accessible seats as well as request for accessible parking spaces by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. This is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029, continuing the 48-team format introduced in Doha last year. The 2025 edition drew more than 197,000 fans, who were able to watch several matches a day while enjoying a full day of festivities at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex. BOMA returns as the official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar, following the character’s debut at the 2025 edition. The name “Boma” derives from the Arabic word for owl, a bird regarded as a symbol of wisdom, vision and mentorship. It is also a nod to Velibor “Bora” Milutinovic, the Serbian coach who has inspired young players to make a mark on the global stage. For tournament updates, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.   

Football enthusiasts and families across Qatar will have the opportunity to see the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 trophy, as the prestigious tournament trophy will make its way to key vibrant destinations nationwide ahead of the global showpiece. The trophy tour will take place at the following locations:Doha Festival City:  Date: Thursday, October 29; Time: 6pm-10pmWest Walk: Date: Thursday, November 5: Time: 6pm-10pmMsheireb Downtown Doha: Date: Thursday, November 12. Time: 6pm – 10pm Each stop will feature engaging fan activities and photo opportunities with the official trophy, as Qatar once again prepares to host 48 international teams competing across 104 matches from November 19 to December 13The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029. The tournament will take place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone with as many as eight matches a day. The Final will be held at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.  Tickets can be purchased at www.roadtoqatar.qa. All tickets are digital and are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Day Passes are priced at QR20 per matchday for the group stage, round of 32, round of 16 and quarter-finals.  Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Tickets are priced at QR35 for the group stage, round of 32 and round of 16, the quarter-finals and semi-finals, and QR20 for the Third-place Play-off.  The Final will be held at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on December 13, with match tickets available in Category 1 at QR30 and Category 2 at QR15. Tickets also include accessible seating options for disabled fans, and are priced at QR20 for group stage through to third-place play-off, and QR15 for the Final. Disabled fans can purchase accessible tickets by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. Adding to the tournament's excitement, BOMA the Desert Owl returns as the official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 following the character's debut at the 2025 edition. For official tournament updates and ticket details, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on social media.

With less than one month to go until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, Aspire Academy Chief Sports Officer and Australian football legend Tim Cahill is looking forward to watching a new generation of players given a stage of their own, in a country where he has spent years developing young talent.“This is the biggest and the best U-17 World Cup ever. There'll never be another one like it. Everyone that I speak to is so impressed with the level of detail on and off the pitch. Qatar sets high standards and creates world-class platforms that these young players are excited to be part of. They don't want to miss out,” said Cahill. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is the second of five consecutive editions the country will host through 2029. The 48-team tournament is set to take place from 19 November to 13 December at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, with as many as eight matches a day and 104 matches in total.The Aspire Zone also houses the Aspire Academy, Qatar’s flagship academy founded in 2004 for the development of young athletes. The academy has produced athletes who have gone on to compete at the highest level, including Olympic and world champion high jumper Mutaz Barshim, as well as Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, the forwards at the centre of Qatar’s back-to-back Asian Cup wins.“Hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup here in Qatar is really important. It’s part of a long-term plan for how football grows in this country, and it feeds straight back into the vision of the Aspire Academy. It supports the curriculum and the infrastructure in place, and all the hard work that goes into developing a player,” said Cahill.For Cahill, who has built a global reputation for youth development, the greatest value of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is the exposure it provides young players: “For these players, competitive fixtures against opponents of the same standard are a scarce resource, and the tournament provides a platform where they can showcase their talent in front of a global audience,” he added.In the 2025 edition, more than 130 scouts from top international clubs took advantage of the tournament’s centralised format to observe emerging talents up close from a single venue. Notably, the tournament served as a launch pad for rising stars including Egypt’s Hamza Abdelkarim, Mali’s Seydou Dembélé, Belgium’s Jesse Bisiwu and Nathan De Cat, and Italy’s Samuele Inacio.“Many of the participating U-17 players know that scouts from the biggest clubs are going to be here. They want to be in the spotlight and gain a broader perspective on professionalism by being tested in the biggest tournament in the world for their age group.”Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 can be purchased at roadtoqatar.qa and delivered through Road to Qatar, the official ticketing app. Tickets are available as a Day Pass, allowing fans to attend multiple matches in a single day, with prices starting at QAR 20 per match day for the group stage through to Quarter-Finals. A Prime Pass, which reserves seats for high-demand matches, is priced at QAR 35 for the group stage through to Semi-Finals, and QAR 20 for the Third-place Play-off. Tickets for the Final at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on 13 December are priced at QAR 30 in Category 1 and QAR 15 in Category 2. Accessibility Tickets are QAR 20 for all matches in the Aspire Zone, and QAR 15 for the Final, and include one complimentary companion ticket. Accessible seats can be purchased by emailing [email protected]. For tournament updates, visit roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms. 

 With one month to go until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, ticket sales are now live at www.roadtoqatar.qa, beginning with an exclusive presale period for Visa cardholders. General public sales will open on October 26.The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone from November 19 to December 13, with the final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, will feature as many as eight matches a day for a total of 104 matches across 48 teams.All tickets are digital and are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Day Passes are priced at QR20 per matchday for the group stage, round of 32, round of 16 and quarter-finals. A maximum of six Day Pass tickets per person can be purchased per matchday. **media[506103]**Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Tickets are priced at QR35 for the group stage, round of 32 and round of 16, the quarter-finals and semi-finals, and QR20 for the third-place play-off, with availability limited in line with each pitch's seating capacity. A maximum of four Prime Passes per person can be purchased for each main pitch, per matchday.The final will be held at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on December 13, with match tickets available in category 1 at QR30 and category 2 at QR15. A maximum of six tickets per person can be purchased for the final.Tickets also include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessibility tickets are priced at QR20 for group stage through to third-place play-off, and QR 15 for the Final, and include one complimentary companion ticket. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. A limited number of accessible parking spaces is available, with passes distributed closer to match days on a first-come, first-served basis.The FIFA U-17 World Cup is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029, continuing its successful 48-team format introduced in Doha last year. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Egypt, Greece and Panama, and will play their opening match against Panama on November 19 at 6:30pm. 

The match schedule has been revealed for the group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. The tournament will take place from 19 November to 13 December, with the finest youth international teams on the planet set to compete for global glory. The inaugural 48-team edition of the event was held in Qatar last year and proved a huge success, with packed-out crowds savouring the chance to watch exceptional young talents showcase their skills on the world stage. More thrills are in store at this year’s event, with a host of eye-catching match-ups set in the U-17 World Cup draw. A vibrant and colourful atmosphere can be expected when host nation Qatar take on Egypt in Group A.  Spain and Morocco will face off in a tantalising Group H clash, while there will be a showdown between the reigning U-17 South American and Asian champions when Colombia and Japan go head-to-head in Group L. The tournament will again be held at the state-of-the-art Aspire Zone complex, with eight matches per day during the group stage and Round of 32 phase.  From Saturday to Wednesday, the action will begin at 15:30 local time, with the last kick-off at 18:30. On Thursdays and Fridays, the action will begin at 16:00, with the last kick-off at 19:00. The final will be staged at the Khalifa International Stadium on 13 December at 19:00 local time.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the spectacular arena, which hosted eight matches at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as well as the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 final. Ticket information will be announced in due course. 

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 now in full swing, young fans from around the world shared their excitement about what the tournament means to them. For Croatian aspiring footballer Viktor Karlo, 13, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 makes his dreams feel real and within reach: "My passion is to become a professional footballer and compete on the world's biggest stage. Being here shows me what the real standards are, because these players demonstrate the commitment and competitive level you need to succeed.” Attending matches with her family, Bruna Bohrt Lijeron, 11, said that she enjoys being a part of something with the people she cares about most: "The atmosphere is exceptional. There's continuous cheering throughout and just when I think I can sit down, we stand up again to cheer.” Claudio Conte, 11, who trains with both Juventus Academy in Qatar and Al Rayyan Club, watched the opening match cheering for both sides: "I live in Qatar but I'm from Italy, so I support both. Coming here and watching these players, seeing how good they are, it makes me believe I can do it. I really hope I can make it like these players one day. Whether it's for Italy or Qatar,” said Conte. Gabriel Aguiar, 14, from Portugal, shared his excitement to be watching the future of football unfold in Qatar: "These players will be the future stars. When older players retire, they will be the fresh ones ready to give new hope and aspirations to their countries," he explained. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as fan zone activities. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which enables them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which enables them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. All tickets are digital and include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 continued Tuesday with some impressive team performances, including Brazil finding the net seven times against Honduras, while Venezuela beating fancied England in style.Egypt, North Korea, South Korea, Switzerland and Zambia also enjoyed winning debuts, while Colombia and Germany served up the most exciting encounter on the day in a share of the spoils.In Group E, Venezuela produced an exceptional all-round display to earn a famous 3-0 win over England. The South Americans hit the front when captain Roman Davis rifled home from a tight angle. If that goal was good, their second was even better, with Dioner Fuentes curling a wonderful strike into the top corner. Substitute Eider Barrios made it three late on with a close-range finish.England coach Neil Ryan was naturally frustrated with the result. Ryan said: “We’re very disappointed with the scoreline. We created five or six clear chances to score and of course that comes back to haunt you. But it’s only the first game of the group stage. We’re going to keep really positive and work hard to go into the next game and make things right.”Egypt sailed past Haiti 1-4. The Young Pharaohs made a triumphant return to the competition for the first time since a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Xavi and Spain in 1997. Belal Attia, Abdelaziz Elzoghby and Hamza Abdelkarim all sparkled and scored for Ahmed Elkass’s side, while Nikolai Pierre’s sumptuous curler gave Haiti hope before the break. Egypt’s victory was sealed when Omar Kamal headed home a devilish Attia delivery.Egypt coach Ahmed El Kass said: “I am very happy with the result today for two reasons: first we have always had slow starts in past tournaments, and also because we feel that we have made the Egyptian people happy – both here and at home.”In Group H Brazil thrashed Honduras 7-0. Dell struck a predatory double, while wonder goals from Ruan Pablo and Felipe Morais had Brazil cruising at the break. Thereafter, a Vitor Hugo header, a glorious strike from Angelo and an admirable Gabriel Mec effort ensured the four-time champions made an emphatic statement of intent.Felipe Morais, Brazil midfielder, said: "Our goal was to start well in the tournament and that's what we did. We executed everything we trained since our preparation until here. I'm very happy for the goal. This gives me even more confidence for the next matches."Zambia capped their inaugural match in the global finals with a thrilling comeback 1-3 victory over Indonesia, highlighted by a quickfire brace from Abel Nyirongo. Indonesia, the 2023 hosts, took an early lead through an opportunistic strike from Zahaby Gholy. But Zambia quickly fought back thanks to two goals in as many minutes from Nyirongo, with Lukonde Mwale ensuring the triumph just before the break.Defending champions Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia in a Group G tie. Marc-Patrick Meister’s Mannschaft and Fredy Hurtado’s Tricolor played out an exciting, evenly-matched stalemate. Just 16 seconds were on the clock when Toni Langsteiner scored the third-fastest goal in the tournament’s 40-year history. Criss Macias almost equalised following a swashbuckling surge through the German defence, before Juan Catano did grab Colombia a point by fizzing home a loose ball from the edge of the box.Colombia coach Freddy Hurtado was pleased with a draw against the holders. He said: "We began the match and got behind early. The opener is the hardest match, and more so against Germany. The guys competed well and we are happy with this point. Obviously we wanted more, but now our focus is on the next game."North Korea routed El Salvador 2-0 as Ri Kang-rim and Kim Yu-jin each bagged braces. Korea started on the front foot and broke the deadlock on a slashing run from Ri, whose shot deflected in off the fingertips of El Salvador goalkeeper Oliver Alegria.El Salvador tried to respond, but a late first half penalty following a video review saw Kim double the lead for the Asian side. They added some insurance in the second stanza when El Salvador failed to clear a free-kick and Ri easily tapped home, followed by late goals from Kim and Han Il-bok.In Group F, Switzerland recorded an 4-1 impressive victory in their opening fixture, with two goals in each half against Cote d'Ivoire. Captain Gil Zufferey opened the scoring when he tried his luck from long range with a dipping strike that evaded opposing skipper Christ Kouassi.Adrien Llukes doubled the advantage before the interval, following up to convert after his own penalty had been saved by the unfortunate Kouassi. Giacomo Koloto was released to calmly convert the third, with Jill Stiel smashing home a spectacular fourth before Hubert Yao’s consolation for the African side.South Korea edged out Mexico 2-1 in a compelling Group F clash. Koo Hyeonbin put his team in front with an instinctive finish, before Aldo De Nigris headed Mexico level. The Koreans went back ahead early in the second half when Nam Ian netted after a fast counter-attack, and then defended resolutely to secure maximum points.South Korea’s goalscorer and Player of the Match Koo Hyeonbin said: “Playing as one team was the key to winning the game. Although Mexico had a good start to the game, we had very good communication between ourselves and we overcame those problems.”

From the first minute to the last of Qatar’s FIFA U-17 World Cup showdown with Italy on Monday, the home fans backed their team with incessant noise and passion, creating an intoxicating buzz at the Aspire Zone complex.The match concluded a thrilling opening day at the newly-expanded tournament, which featured eight matches and 27 goals. The hosts ultimately went down 1-0 to their illustrious opponents, who mixed class, steel and poise to bank a hard-fought win. Samuele Inacio netted the game’s only goal and, speaking to FIFA, explained why the carnival atmosphere ensured it was an occasion to savour.“It was amazing,” said the Borussia Dortmund striker, fresh from being presented with his Player of the Match prize. “We were playing against the home team, so it was crazy. To play in this fantastic atmosphere and win makes us very proud. The key was the focus. We stayed together. We have a lot of confidence for this tournament. We did a great EURO (reaching the semi-finals), and we are ready to have a great World Cup.”Italy captain Benit Borasio wore a beaming smile as he reflected on his U-17 World Cup debut. “The atmosphere was incredible,” he said. “Even if the fans are against you, it gives you energy. That emotion transmits to you. The pitch was also perfect. It was great.”Qatar coach Alvaro Mejia witnessed his team go toe to toe against a top-quality outfit. The host nation steadfastly hunted an equaliser following Inacio’s strike, but could not find a way through Italy’s well-drilled backline. Mejia declared the squad’s collective hunger to reward their vibrant support when they return to action against South Africa tomorrow“Here in Qatar, everyone loves football,” he said. “They love to be part of it. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was colourful all around. For the people to watch players at this age – who very soon are going to be on TV and will be stars – it’s something amazing.“I am happy with how we performed against one of the strongest teams. The idea was to go out and compete. We competed. I am proud of the players and now we are going to come back against another strong team in South Africa. Let’s try to give the best of ourselves for all the people who are coming here to support. We have to push ourselves to the limits.”The game’s winning goal was fitting for the stage. Centre-back Borasio arrowed a sensational defence-splitting pass into the path of Inacio, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. “It was a good assist from Benit,” said Inacio of his skipper’s contribution. “I didn’t expect it, to be honest! It was a great pass. To have a captain like him is fantastic. He has a lot of responsibility, and he takes us with him.”Borasio, who plays his club football for Juventus, was a towering presence in the Italy backline throughout the contest. His comfort in possession was also eye-catching, and it came as little surprise to learn he formerly played higher up the pitch. “In the past, I played in the middle, like a CDM (defensive midfielder). Now I play centre-back. I like to play there, because I can drive with the ball and pass through the lines to my mates.”On the honour of leading his nation out at Qatar 2025, Borasio added: “It’s amazing to be captain for Italy, especially in the World Cup. You feel the responsibility for your team and for your country. It is a great feeling.” (fifa.com)

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar officially kicked off on Monday with eight matches held across the Aspire Zone competition complex, marking a memorable start to the first-ever 48-team event.Hosts Qatar narrowly lost 1-0 in their opening match against Italy at the Mansour Muftah pitch, one of eight venues recently renamed to pay tribute to Qatari football legends.The U-17 World Cup will run until November 27, featuring 48 nations competing across twelve groups. A total of 104 matches will be played across eight pitches within the Aspire Zone, culminating with the final at Khalifa International Stadium.The expanded format welcomes five nations making their debut: Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador and Uganda. Qatar will be looking to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament that took place in Italy – becoming the first Qatari team to reach the third-place playoff.HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, said: "We are proud to host the first-ever 48-team FIFA tournament, which will showcase football’s exceptional emerging talent and celebrate the sport’s power in uniting people from all around the world.”“As the first of five U-17 tournaments that Qatar will host, this event is another testament of the country’s enduring commitment to advancing football at all levels. It will witness the rise of football’s stars of tomorrow, and hosting it at Aspire Academy is a continuation of the facility’s long-standing track record in producing elite athletes across multiple sports,” Sheikh Hamad added.“The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be another chapter in our rich football legacy and will further our position as a global sporting destination that constantly sets new standards in player and fan experiences,” Sheikh Hamad said.Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans must download the RoadtoQatar mobile app to present purchased tickets and access tournament venues.Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day as well fan zone activities. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible seat requests must be sent to:[email protected] U-17 World Cup Fan Zone will provide ticketed fans with an immersive experience celebrating the tournament's global diversity. Available exclusively on match days from 1:30pm through the final whistle, the Fan Zone features live match screenings, festive activations, a trophy display and diverse food and beverage offerings. Live stage performances showcasing cultural acts, talented youth and musical performances will be presented from 4pm to 8pmThe U-17 World Cup Qatar will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.

Qatar’s passionate fans created a raucous atmosphere at Mansour Muftah Pitch at Aspire, urging their team forward from start to finish, but Italy held firm to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.A fine first-half strike from Samuele Inacio — who finished coolly after a precise through ball from Benit Borasio — proved decisive for the Azzurrini.The young Maroons battled bravely to level the score, showing greater attacking intent after the break. Omar al-Marzouki came close with a powerful shot that was cleared off the line in the 50th minute, while Issa Walid narrowly missed an equaliser with a late effort in the 87th. Despite Qatar’s spirited second-half display, Italy’s disciplined defence ensured all three points stayed with the European side.Qatar's next match is against South Africa on Thursday, while their last group tie is against Bolivia on Sunday.In another Group A match, South Africa beat Bolivia 3-1. Goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els earned 10-player South Africa a superb win. Bafana Bafana were dealt a significant blow when Sive Pama was sent off midway through the first half, but Witbooi soon fired them in front before Bohloko added a second from close range. Bolivia pulled one back through Jesus Maraude's Panenka-style penalty, but Shaun Els’ late breakaway effort put the result beyond doubt.Meanwhile, Japan and Tunisia collected impressive wins while both Argentina and Portugal rallied for hard-fought victories.In Group B, Japan opened a sixth straight U-17 World Cup with 2-0 victory over Morocco. The Asian giants looked to have opened the scoring in the first half when Anthony Motosuna headed home, but he was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.They wouldn't be denied for long, though, as Hiroto Asada drove through the heart of the Morocco backline and set up Taiga Seguchi, who unleashed a terrific first-time effort into the far corner. Minato Yoshida thought he'd netted a second soon after, only for play to be pulled back for handball. They would eventually make the game safe in the dying embers, with Daigo Hirashima rifling in from just inside the box.Portugal overcame a sluggish start to thrash New Caledonia 6-1. New Caledonia jumped out to a shock lead when a video review led to a penalty, and Ezekiel Wamowe converted the spot-kick. But Anisio Cabral spearheaded the comeback, equalising via a header and then giving his side the lead early in the second half with an easy finish. Stevan Manuel, Mateus Mide, Mauro Furtado and Jose Neto tacked on goals as well to complete the scoring.In Group C, ten-player Costa Rica claimed a hard-fought 1-1 draw against United Arab Emirates. The game sparked into life just after the half-hour, as Isaac Badilla was sent off for a last-player tackle on Faysal Mohammed.UAE made use of their numerical advantage shortly after the break, as Mayed Adel bundled home a corner. That lead lasted barely three minutes, though, with Yerlan Sosa's centre causing chaos in the UAE box, allowing Nick Bennette to lace home from just beyond the penalty spot.In another Group C match, Senegal and Croatia played out a goalless draw. The Europeans dominated the first half and ought to have taken the lead deep into it. Patrik Horvat saw his shot from the edge of the area parried by Vincent Gomis straight to Jona Benkotic, who cleared the crossbar with the goal gaping. Both pushed in the second period, but neither side could find the breakthrough.In Group D, Argentina squeezed past Belgium 3-2 in an early contender for match of the tournament. Diego Placente's men hit the front through a neat Ramiro Tulian finish, only for Arthur De Kimpe to strike back with a rasping drive.A well-worked Stan Naert goal then gave the Belgians the lead on the hour mark, as Ali Camara squared for the forward to tap in. The game was turned on its head inside four crazy minutes, though, with Facundo Jainikoski netting before fellow substitute Felipe Esquivel drilled in another fine goal. Belgium sub Rene Mitongo then passed up two great chances to level, allowing the South Americans to collect all three points.Tunisia delivered a commanding performance to cruise past Fiji 6-0. The North Africans hit their stride beginning at the half-hour mark, with Wassim Slama beating the goalkeeper at the near post with a clever shot and then a superb strike from Fedi Tayechi.Slama got his second by pouncing on a rebound, followed by a powerful right-footed finish from Anisse Saidi. Saifedin Haj Abdallah made it five with a composed curler from inside the area and Tayechi put on the finishing touches with a strike in the waning minutes.What they said..."When we were one man down, we still kept pushing each other. It’s all about teamwork. For me, it’s a dream come true to be here. I always wanted to reach this stage, and I am chasing my dreams."-Kamohelo Mareletse, South Africa midfielder and player of the match"The team did very well, we managed to hold on despite being a man down and we're ready to keep competing. The next match will be a close contest against Senegal, but we'll compete well".-Nick Bennette, Costa Rica goalscorer"As we expected, it was a tough match where we knew that a single goal could greatly influence the outcome. We managed to score the opener and then add another, which allowed us to control the game in a good way."-Nozomi Hiroyama, Japan coach"The players need to stop thinking about this defeat, even though it's a tough one. We'll make amends against Portugal. We have confidence in these players; they are capable of getting through this group."-Nabi Baha, Morocco coach"We knew it was going to be the most difficult match in the group because Belgium play very well, as well as being physically and technically outstanding. I'm happy for the team because they showed character on two occasions to come back from behind and win."-Diego Placente, Argentina head coach"We had a lot of opportunities and the lack of efficiency made us get to half-time with the game tied. But we kept calm to start strong in the second half and it didn't take long for us to be in front."-Bino Macaes, Portugal coach

Hosts Qatar will look to make a strong impression when they kick off their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign against Italy Monday at Aspire Zone. Drawn in Group A, the other teams Qatar will face are South Africa and Bolivia. Making their eighth appearance in the competition, the young Maroons are determined to build on their best-ever finish — fourth place in 1991 — under the guidance of coach Alvaro Mejia. Zaid Faisal Ktit, a talented all-round centre-forward known for his intelligent movement and composed finishing, will be one of Qatar’s key players as the hosts aim for a deep run in the tournament. After the training session Saturday, Ktit said: “Italy are a strong team but all teams in this tournament will be tough. Of course, we will have to play well and we are looking forward to it.” Tameem al-Qadi, the Al Sadd youngster, added: “We will play a great game. Italy is a tough team, but there are no weak teams in the World Cup. It’s a proud moment for us to represent our country on home soil, and we will do our best in all the matches.” Meanwhile, Brazil coach Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Patetuci praised the organisation and atmosphere in Doha, saying: “The atmosphere here in Qatar is great, the environment is wonderful, and we’re very happy to be here. It’s going to be a beautiful World Cup.” Saudi Arabia manager Abdulwahab Alharbi expressed confidence in his side’s preparation, adding: “The team has been preparing for two years, and in the last three months, we’ve seen major improvement. InshaAllah, they will do well.”

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to take place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone from November 3-27, promising a spectacular football festival-like atmosphere for families and fans at one of the world’s most celebrated sporting venues.Renowned as a global centre of sporting excellence since hosting the 2006 Asian Games, Aspire Zone will transform into a pulsing football hub throughout the 25 days of the tournament. A total of 104 matches will be played across eight pitches, with up to eight matches a day during the group stage through to the Round of 16. This will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams.The final will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, also located in the Aspire Zone, and one of eight venues that hosted matches during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.“We are excited to welcome the best young talent from around the world to train and play at Qatar’s world-class sporting facilities. The pitches at Aspire Zone and Khalifa International Stadium will offer players optimal conditions to showcase their talent to the rest of the world,” said Rashid al-Khater, LOC Operations Executive Director.“Fans attending the tournament are set to experience an unforgettable football-festival like atmosphere. The compact nature of the venue will allow spectators to attend multiple matches a day, while enjoying a specially curated fan zone offering cultural and entertainment activities for everyone. We are excited to bring the world together once again to celebrate a shared passion for football,” he added.Operating daily on match days from 1:30pm until the final whistle, the fan zone will offer a family-friendly celebration of football and culture. Young fans can indulge in a variety of gaming activities, including e-sports challenges and a mini football arena.Families will also be regaled by various folkloric and cultural performances, while enjoying food and beverage stations from around the world. A dedicated sensory room will provide an inclusive space for fans with neurodivergent needs.Regarded as the world’s most unique sports city, Aspire Zone also features Aspetar, a leading orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and Official Medical Partner of the tournament. The Zone is also home to the renowned Aspire Academy that has produced world and Olympic champions across multiple disciplines, since opening its doors in 2004, most notably track and field athlete Mutaz Barsham, regarded as one of the best high jumpers of all time.Aspire Zone is located within close proximity to Al Aziziyah (Gold line) metro station, allowing fans to easily access the venue using Qatar’s modern public transportation network. More information on how to reach the venue is available through the official tournament mobility guide: https://qr1.be/1A6UTickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans must also download the RoadtoQatar mobile app to present purchased tickets and access tournament venues.Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day as well fan zone activities. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible seat requests must be sent to: [email protected].