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His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the final match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Portugal beat Austria 1-0 to be crowned champions for the first time.Following the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Portuguese team with the gold medals and the championship trophy. Italy claimed third place after defeating Brazil 4–2 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff.Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar Football Association also took part in the awarding ceremony.

Portugal clinched their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup title after overcoming Austria in a gripping final in Doha. Anisio Cabral’s first-half goal sealed the triumph at Khalifa International Stadium, completing a remarkable 2025 double for the newly-crowned world and reigning European U-17 champions. Austria, appearing in their first World Cup final at any level, fought relentlessly in search of an equaliser and nearly found it, with Daniel Frauscher rattling the inside of the post in the closing stages.Portugal made a fast start and almost bagged an early opener when Duarte Cunha dragged a shot wide. Austria’s rapid counter-attacking has been a feature of their U-17 World Cup campaign, though, and from one such break Hasan Deshishku burst clear and forced a fine save from Romario Cunha.**media[387120]**The Portuguese would strike the first blow, with Cabral applying the finishing touch from close range after a slick team move. It was his seventh goal of the tournament – only adidas Golden Boot winner Johannes Moser scored more, with the Austria star netting eight times. The Austrians have displayed impressive powers of resilience all tournament long and refused to buckle after falling behind. Early in the second half, Deshishku was denied again by Cunha, with the goalkeeper making a sprawling save from the striker’s curling free-kick. Cunha was in fabulous form, and he athletically tipped a Ifeanyi Ndukwe header over the bar to preserve Portugal's lead. The goalkeeper was grasping at thin air when substitute Frauscher took aim on 85 minutes, but the Austrian's effort came crashing off the post. The collective relief among the Portugal players was palpable and, despite some more late pressure from their spirited opponents, they held out to secure the nation's maiden global title at U-17 level. Longoni saves bag Italy bronze Earlier, at the Aspir Zone’s Pitch No. 7, Alessandro Longoni was the shootout hero, as his pair of penalty stops ensured Italy secured bronze in the U-17 World Cup. The complexion of the game changed less than a quarter of an hour in. Vitor Fernandes was booked after just six minutes for a late clash with Antonio Arena, and he received his marching orders eight minutes later for another late and needless challenge against Leonardo Bovio. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Brazil almost took the lead when Ruan Pablo dragged a shot wide. Italy started to test their South American counterparts thereafter, with Valerio Maccaroni dancing inside and putting an effort just past the post, with Federico Steffanoni doing the same soon after. Brazil hung on in the second half and looked to have taken the lead just after the hour. Dell headed a near-post corner goalwards which Longoni did brilliantly to initially save, before Felipe Morais headed in from an offside position. Penalties would decide it. While Joao Pedro saved another spot-kick to deny Andrea Luongo, Longoni made back-to-back saves to foil Luis Pacheco and Luis Eduardo, allowing Alessio Baralla to rattle home the winning kick. Massimiliano Favo, Italy coach, was proud of his team. “We played the best football of the tournament, and I’m proud of the boys. From the point of view of controlling the game, we did something incredible. It would have been sad to leave without a medal – we’re happy. The first 48-team World Cup, being the third-best in the world and having deserved even more is very important and meaningful," Favo said. "It was nice because I was able to contribute to the team’s victory, I was able to help the team. This is what makes me most proud, besides the result we achieved. We faced a great team in the semi-final, unfortunately we took a heavy blow, but we stayed together as a group, we didn’t split up, we remained united. We struggled in this match too – it happens, it’s normal – we were up against a great team. By holding on, we managed to bring home an excellent result because we made history".Alessandro Longoni, Italy goalkeeper Award winners Golden Ball: Mateus Mide (POR)Silver Ball: Johannes Moser (AUT)Bronze Ball: Mauro Furtado (POR) Golden Boot: Johannes Moser (AUT)Silver Boot: Anisio Cabral (POR)Bronze Boot: Dell (BRA) Golden Glove: Romario Cunha (POR) FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Czech Republic

When Portugal take on Austria in the final of the inaugural 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium today, it will mark the first time in 34 years that a final has featured two sides contesting their maiden final. Ghana’s 1-0 win over Spain in 1991 was the last time a pair of final debutants battled for the title. History will be made no matter who comes out on top in the all-European showdown. Portugal are hunting their first-ever U-17 global crown, while Austria are aiming to win their maiden FIFA World Cup in any category. Portugal came into the tournament as European champions and have displayed their elite quality throughout the competition. Their attacking flair has been on show in thumping wins over the likes of Morocco and Mexico, while they demonstrated their defensive grit and resilience to dig deep and see off Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals. While the Portuguese have suffered one defeat in the competition – against Japan in the group stage – Austria have triumphed in each of their seven matches so far. Hermann Stadler’s team have been exceptional, scoring 17 times and conceding just once on their way to the final. Powerhouse nations England and Italy are among the sides they have left in their wake. Speaking ahead of the final, Portugal coach Bino Macaes said: “We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re a very difficult team to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition. That tells you how difficult it is to score against Austria. We have to prepare well for this match.” Hermann Stadler, Austria coach, said: “It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s fantastic. It’s a dream come true. What an incredible story! When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to get through the group stage, but we’ve been getting better with every match.” Portugal captain Rafael Quintas combines tenacity, technical ability and outstanding football intelligence in the middle of the park. Teammate Jose Neto hailed him as “the brains of the team”. He added: “Rafael is the one who gets us into the right mindset when things aren’t going well and keeps us fired up.” Portugal’s leading goalscorer is Anisio Cabral with six strikes at Qatar 2025. Cabral has spearheaded his team’s charge to the final. Athletic, focused and clinical, he looks up to both Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo. Coach Bino has saluted Cabral’s desire for self-improvement. “He’s evolving,” said Bino. “He’s a boy who loves to listen and to learn, and that’s what is helping him to keep progressing and get stronger and stronger.” For Austria, Jakub Pokorny is rock at the heart of a mean, superbly-organised defence, captain Pokorny’s inspiring leadership has drove his team on at the U-17 World Cup. His stirring pre-match speeches have earned praise from team-mate Johannes Moser while Pokorny explained: “I just say what comes into my head. I normally always give a speech before the games to push the guys, and it usually works! We are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.” Moser, Austria’s talisman has lit up the U-17 World Cup, delivering a series of exhilarating performances. The leader of the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, his tally includes the winner in the quarter-final against Japan and two wonderful goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Italy. The attacking midfielder blends power, grace and ruthlessness in the final third. He will be out to finish a remarkable individual campaign on the biggest high imaginable. 

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar will conclude Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, where either Portugal or Austria will create history by lifting the trophy in their maiden final. But the 20th edition has already secured its own place in history over the past 25 days at the state-of-the-art competition complex in Aspire Zone. This is the first FIFA event of any kind to feature 48 teams and marks the beginning of an annual cycle, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions. It is also the first U-17 World Cup staged in a centralised “football festival” and “grand-slam style” setting, and it has proved a resounding success. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days – eight matches per day – a first for any FIFA event. By contrast, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 staged 64 matches over 29 days. Thousands of fans passed through the competition complex each day, with an innovative ticketing system including Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches. According to FIFA, daily crowd figures averaged between 7,000 and 9,000. Arsenal’s legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, lauded the quality of the pitches, Qatar’s flawless organisation and the significance of having 48 nations compete at the World Cup. After a media briefing by tournament’s FIFA’s Technical Study Group Wednesday, Wenger said: “We have now played 102 games, and when you look at the quality of the pitches, they are still in a marvellous state. Secondly, the overall structure of the organisation was perfect. You see that Qatar has the knowledge now to organise competition, and what I like as well is they always have the desire for quality in what they do, and I have a big respect for that.” Wenger expressed strong optimism about the tournament’s impact on global youth development. He highlighted the progress made by lesser-known teams, including Uganda, who reached the round of 16 in their first-ever FIFA tournament. They were among five debutants at this level along with El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia – with Ireland and Zambia also advancing from their groups to the knockout stage. “I would say this tournament will change football in the world,” the 76-year-old Wenger said. “I’m very optimistic about that, that every country will do more effort to develop their youth to come here and to compete, and so overall the impact will be very positive and much bigger than people expected it to be, because even the smaller countries can realise they have a chance to compete if they work well and develop their youth system, and we know if you want to make results at the top level, you need to develop your youth system.” He added that media and broadcast coverage exceeded expectations, showing the tournament’s growing global appeal. “Well, you know, we know that at that level, what was the most important for us is to have the 48 countries together for the first edition and overall to have a good organisation. The media coverage has been bigger than we expected it to be. The TV coverage, of course, you cannot have the same sophistication on the smaller pitches that you have in big stadiums and we have to accept that, and I still think I watched some games when I had to move back to Europe on my iPad and it still was enjoyable to watch,” the Frenchman said. Wenger said he plans to return to Qatar for the Arab Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, noting the passion the tournament evokes in the region. “I find it very interesting to watch the Arab Cup because it’s a special motivation. You feel the pride between the different Arab countries is very high and the commitment is absolutely total, so I’m very excited to watch that.”

Brazil and Portugal headline today’s FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals in Doha, a meeting of two continental champions with everything on the line. The match kicks off at 7:00pm at Aspire Zone.Portugal continue their chase for a first-ever U-17 world title, while Brazil look to edge closer to a record-equalling fifth trophy.Portugal’s creative spark Mateus Mide remains central to their hopes, with four goals and two assists so far. Intelligent, sharp and decisive in tight spaces, he was on target again in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Switzerland. Brazil, however, lean on the tournament’s most feared finisher: Dell, whose power and precision have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland.His brace against Morocco took him to five goals, firmly placing him in the Golden Boot race.Brazil will have to cope without suspended trio Vitor Hugo, Luis Eduardo and Arthur Ryan, though coach Dudu Patetuci brings experience – he was assistant coach during Brazil’s 2019 triumph. His counterpart, Bino, carries history of his own, having been part of Portugal’s squad the last time they reached this stage back in 1989.**media[385330]**Austria vs Italy Earlier at 4:30pm, Austria and Italy meet in a showdown between two teams that have won all six of their matches so far – an unprecedented run that has brought both nations to the brink of their first U-17 World Cup final.Austria’s talisman Johannes Moser has taken Qatar 2025 by storm with six goals, making him joint-top scorer.Captain Jakub Pokorny couldn’t hide his admiration, calling Moser “just incredible... like something I haven’t seen before.” Their momentum is fierce, having swept past England before surviving a gruelling quarter-final against Japan. “It was the toughest match we ever played in our lives,” Pokorny admitted. “Japan is a very good team... but we are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.**media[385331]**I think we can go all the way.”Italy, disciplined and composed, have been anchored by captain Luca Reggiani, a defender who has put in three consecutive Player-of-the-Match displays in the knockout rounds. Calm and commanding, he is Italy’s heartbeat. Suspensions, however, hit both sides: Ifeanyi Ndukwe for Austria and David Marini for Italy. “We know that they are a very good team,” Reggiani said. “The fact that they are in the semi-finals says it all.But we’re going to work hard to prepare... and keep pushing ourselves. We’re really looking forward to it.” Austria are also chasing national history - no Austrian team, at any age level, has ever reached a World Cup final. Italy bring their own storylines too, including the background of rising star Samuele Inacio, whose Brazilian father Pia played professionally for clubs such as Atalanta, Napoli and Torino.Today’s winners will advance to Thursday’s final at Khalifa International Stadium, setting the stage for one more chapter in a tournament that has already delivered drama, discovery and a new generation of global stars.

The Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar promises another thrilling day, headlined by tournament heavyweights Brazil and France clashing at the Aspire Zone in Doha. Their meeting is one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the competition, with Brazil arriving in confident mood after showing remarkable resilience — playing over 80 minutes with ten men against Paraguay before ultimately prevailing on penalties. Last edition’s runners-up France also had to work hard to overcome Colombia, and now hope to claim what would be their third victory over South American opposition at these finals. Italy enter the next stage with growing confidence following a controlled win over Czech Republc, having conceded only once so far. They now face Uzbekistan, who recovered impressively after conceding a late equaliser to Croatia, ultimately booking their place through penalties. Uganda’s remarkable debut World Cup run also continues, as they prepare for a tough all-African contest against Burkina Faso. The Burkinabe arrive with high momentum after eliminating reigning champions Germany. Coach Oscar Barro said: “Uganda have made it to the Round of 16, which shows what a quality side they are, so we need to prepare accordingly. We played them in a friendly match, but every team has changed its style and appearance since then.” **media[383124]** Mexico remain one of the most dramatic stories of the tournament, with goalkeeper Santiago Lopez scoring the decisive penalty against Argentina. They next face Portugal, whose attacking threat is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Anisio Cabral. Switzerland continue their impressive unbeaten streak at U-17 World Cups and face a confident Republic of Ireland side embracing their first-ever appearance. Switzerland coach Luigi Pisino said: “They’re a team we know well. They have an impressive system and outstanding individual talents. This is the kind of match that makes a World Cup special.” North Korea meet Japan in an all-Asian showdown featuring the creativity of Kim Yu-jin against Japan’s strong defensive unit and standout goalkeeper Shuji Muramatsu. Austria, one of the tournament’s most efficient teams, challenge an England side growing stronger with each match. After England’s win over South Korea, captain Seth Ridgeon said: “We’re building momentum and improving with each round.” Morocco complete the lineup after a dramatic late comeback against the USA, setting up an all-African battle with Mali, who advanced by defeating Zambia.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 enters a decisive phase as the knockout rounds get underway today, with 16 teams ready to battle for a place in the round of 32 across two action-packed days.The drama begins with an all-African clash between Zambia and Mali. Tournament debutants Zambia have turned heads with their fearless performances, remaining unbeaten in the group stage and even holding Brazil to a draw. Mali, meanwhile, collected six points from their group and posted two clean sheets, showing their trademark defensive solidity.European heavyweights Portugal and Belgium promise goals in what could be one of the most explosive encounters of the round. Both sides averaged more than three goals per match in the groups, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-scoring showdown.Switzerland, unbeaten at the U-17 World Cup for 16 years, take on a resilient Egypt side that proved difficult to break down in the group stage. The Swiss will need to extend that proud record to reach the last eight.France meet Colombia in another standout tie. After conceding just once en route to topping Group K, Lionel Rouxel’s French side face a disciplined Colombian team that has not conceded since the opening seconds of their first match against Germany.Argentina, led by Diego Placente, who guided their U-20s to the World Cup final earlier this year, look poised for another deep run as they face Mexico. The Mexicans scraped through as the final third-placed qualifier and will be desperate to make their mark.The Ireland continue their dream debut campaign against Canada in a fixture brimming with history. The Irish topped Group J without defeat, while Canada earned their first-ever U-17 World Cup win and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time after drawing with 2023 finalists France.“We’ve only gone and made history again [just as we did with the first win]. This is a real boost for our development program. Just look at that smile. We’re going to keep working hard to make history,” Vitulano said shortly after the final whistle had been blown," said Canada head coach Mike Vitulano."We ran a training camp at U-15 level, another when they made the step up to the U-16 side, and then the final sessions were all geared towards World Cup preparation. We’ve steadily improved over time,” he said,USA, flawless so far, go up against a resurgent Morocco side. The Americans have dazzled with Cavan Sullivan leading the charge, while Morocco staged one of the tournament’s most astonishing comebacks — going from zero points and goals to a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia that catapulted them into the last 16.Closing out the round, Brazil lock horns with Paraguay in a South American showdown. Brazil’s attacking duo, Dell and Felipe Morais, lit up the group stage with 11 unanswered goals in their first two games. But Paraguay’s disciplined defence will provide their toughest test yet as the knockout stage begins in earnest.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 underway, fans were treated to a robust Fan Zone that featured a number of local businesses, artists and community groups. Located in Aspire Zone Competition Complex, where 104 matches are taking place in the biggest edition of the youth tournament to date, the Fan Zone brought together tens of thousands of fans to enjoy the football festival-like atmosphere at the venue. **media[381182]** As part of a community-focused initiative, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) brought on board more than 20 home-grown brands to participate at the Fan Zone, offering them free space at the venue. **media[381179]** “The U-17 World Cup is more than just a football competition. The tournament provides us with a platform to celebrate the wonderful talents in our community. From home-grown restaurants to student artists, the Fan Zone celebrated the diversity and richness of Qatari culture and the different communities that call this country home,” Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial. **media[381181]** Mama Rozie, a popular restaurant specialising in authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, is among the many food outlets who are taking part in the Fan Zone. Owner Febrariska Armen sources ingredients and partnerships locally whenever possible, collaborating with Qatari startups and local suppliers to keep the operation deeply rooted in the community. **media[381183]** "We're here because the Indonesian community is passionate about football, and the organisers recognised that. Our aim is to introduce fans to Indonesian and Malaysian culture through food, and we feel honoured to be a part of this tournament, where different cultures come together,” said Armen. **media[381180]** At the Fan Zone, Qatar Foundation (QF) is showcasing its students' diverse talents through interactive workshops and cultural performances. In addition, QF Pre-University Education has also provided a mobile sensory room, a quiet, controlled space equipped with assistive technology and specialised staff. This dedicated space ensures that fans with sensory needs, including children with autism, can fully enjoy the tournament experience. **media[381186]** "We wanted to demonstrate that community engagement means everyone," said Haia Alnaimi, Community Outreach Initiatives and Programs Manager, Special Schools and SEN Services at QF. "Our student community represents children with different abilities, and each of them are on a different path to success. This Fan Zone is the perfect platform to celebrate that diversity while building confidence amongst families that there are equal opportunities for everyone." **media[381185]** As a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Fan Zone also featured a number of local gyms that provided fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. Huriya Dance, part of the Qatar-based Honor Wholeness Institute, has been engaging with spectators through dance sessions, fitness challenges and stage performances. Nada Karhani, Manager of Huriya Dance, said: "Football ignites passion in everyone, and it is through dance, that we celebrate that passion. Whether fans are cheering for their teams, waving flags, or walking through the streets, there’s a form of dance in everything - it is a universal language. That's why we are here, to channel that collective energy and create moments of pure joy that fans will remember long after the final whistle." **media[381187]** The Fan Zone also features a mini football pitch where community-based academies are competing in a U-12 tournament that mirrors the participating teams from the U-17 competition. Dozens of children have taken up the opportunity to show off their football skills as they look up to older players on their way to stardom. At the heart of the Fan Zone is a robust lineup of community-based artists and performers. A total number of 880 artists are taking part in the program, showcasing cultural and folkloric performances. The Fan Zone will continue to operate on match days only from 1:30 PM until the final whistle, as the tournament advances to the next rounds. Entertainment will take place from 4PM-8PM. Upcoming highlights include film screenings in partnership with the Doha Film Festival, running between the 14-15 November. The Round of 32 will take place on 14-15 November at the Aspire Zone. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has reached the end of its group stage, which brought football fans together for a spectacular showcase of emerging talent from across the globe. Taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, this is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, making this the biggest edition of the youth tournament in its history. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days, which is a first for any FIFA competition, compared to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ which featured a total of 64 matches played over 29 days. A total of 250 goals were scored during the group stage. This is the first time ever a FIFA U-17 World Cup has crossed the 200-tournament goal milestone. The tournament also recorded the biggest victory in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, with Morocco’s 16-0 win over New Caledonia. **media[381043]** Amongst the top goal scorers, Czechia’s Vit Skrkon scored the first hat-trick of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 inside just seven minutes. Meanwhile, Belgium’s Rene Mitongo became the first player in this year’s tournament to register a super hat trick, scoring four goals in a 7-0 win against debutants Fiji. This is also the first FIFA World Cup to feature a knockout Round of 32. Debutants Republic of Ireland, Uganda and Zambia joined an impressive group of teams to the next round, including defending champions Germany and four-time winners Brazil. Three teams from the Arab world also qualified to the Round of 32: Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. “Qatar has created history yet again by hosting the biggest edition of a World Cup, which showcases the country’s organisational excellence in hosting world-class sporting events, and its commitment to youth football development,” said Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC). **media[381046]** “Over the nine days of a thrilling group stage, we welcomed tens of thousands of football fans, transforming the tournament into a one-of-a-kind football festival. The state-of-the-art pitches at Aspire Zone have proven to be a wonderful stage for emerging talents from across the globe, many of whom will go on to be future football stars. The centralised venue format has allowed everyone – from players to journalists and fans – to be at the heart of the football action and enjoy an exceptional tournament experience,” he added. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has said the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 is taking global youth football “to the next level” after witnessing the gripping climax to the group stage in Qatar. “A lot of credit goes to the Local Organising Committee, who have done a truly fantastic job. In the Aspire Zone, you can move from one pitch to another and watch eight games in a single day, it’s really something remarkable. We already had a great FIFA World Cup here in 2022, but this takes it to an entirely new level for youth football,” said the FIFA Secretary General after attending several group-stage matches. **media[381045]** “I think our Qatari hosts have done a truly fantastic job here. I take my hat off to the entire team, together with the FIFA team for their great work. From what I’ve heard, the participating teams are extremely pleased with the hotels, training facilities, and the overall pitch conditions,” said Grafström. “Having the opportunity to make use of the pitches and all the facilities built for the FIFA World Cup 2022 is truly fantastic.” Here are some key figures from Qatar hosting the historic 48-team U-17 World Cup: 1008 players competed in the group stage The tournament brought together an unprecedented number of U-17 teams from across the world to compete for the coveted trophy, providing the opportunity to young players to shine on a global stage. This year, five teams made their debut – Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador and Uganda. 12 hotels utilised to host teams and tournament officials **media[381044]** The tournament’s unique hosting concept saw multiple teams accommodated at a single location, including a centralised dining experience at team hotels, which facilitated cultural exchange by encouraging young players to interact with each other off the pitch. Throughout the tournament, teams were also treated to a number of cultural excursions and social activities, allowing them to experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality. 364 training sessions held across 16 training pitches Teams made use of Qatar’s world-class sporting infrastructure, conducting a total of 364 training sessions across 16 training pitches. This setup resulted in up to 48 training sessions per day across all venues. Two dedicated training sites – Al Ersal and Al Thumama – provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young players to train in some of the same grounds that were used by some of the world’s biggest football stars during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Teams were provided with the same level of service as senior national teams. This included training equipment and round-the-clock medical support. 8 pitches, one centralised venue All 72 matches of the group stage took place at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, allowing fans to be part of a spectacular football festival-like atmosphere, as they moved easily from one pitch to another. For the players, the pitches offered them an ideal playing surface, in line with the highest FIFA standards. During Qatar 2022, the pitches were used as training grounds for some of the teams taking part in the historic tournament. 1 ticket, multiple matches Fans were able to purchase tickets in the form of a day pass, allowing them to attend multiple matches a day. The group stage hosted up to eight matches a day. This unique hosting concept formed the cornerstone of the fan experience, while allowing football scouts to observe emerging talents at a single venue. A total of 130 scouts from leading football clubs around the world attended the tournament to make use of the unique compact nature of the venue. 43 buses utilised for teams and spectators The ultra compact nature of the tournament allowed players and fans to utilise Qatar’s robust public transportation network. The venue was easily accessible by the Doha Metro. A modern bus fleet, including park and ride shuttle services, enabled teams and spectators to commute at ease. This included the provision of wheelchair-accessible transportation options for disabled fans. 52,657 spectators attended group stage matches The tournament was a resounding success amongst young fans, with a large number of families and children flocking to the venue to cheer on their teams, in what is a reflection of a vibrant football culture in Qatar. Diverse communities brought the pitches to life as they came together to celebrate a common passion for the game. 3 accessibility features provided a barrier-free experience Carrying forward Qatar’s commitment to host tournaments that are accessible to all, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 ensured disabled fans were part of the football excitement. Accessibility features at the venue included: wheelchair-accessible seating across all pitches, sensory room at the fan zone for fans with neurodivergent needs, and audio-descriptive commentary for blind and partially sighted football fans. 880 artists and performers regaled spectators at the fan zone Beyond football, the tournament was a celebration of cultural diversity, where fans were treated to a variety of traditional performances at the fan zone. The tournament served as a platform for young artists from the country, especially students, to showcase their talents to a global audience. 20 small and medium enterprises took part in the fan zone The tournament sought the participation of several home-grown brands at the fan zone, serving as a prime venue for supporting local businesses. As part of a community-focused initiative, the LOC provided a number of local businesses with free space in the fan zone. In addition to food outlets, the fan zone also featured a number of local gyms that provided fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. 833 workforce were involved in tournament operations Qatar once again leveraged a multicultural workforce, comprising local and global talents, to deliver the tournament. Having gained valuable experience from hosting mega-sporting events in the country, the tournament LOC seamlessly carried out operations during the group stage. 465 volunteers supported in the delivery of the tournament Volunteers from 35 different nationalities were involved in 14 functional areas, carrying forward Qatar’s volunteering legacy in delivering mega-sporting events. The volunteers are part of the Qatar Volunteer Programme, which will see a total of 4,000 volunteers recruited for different tournaments that Qatar is set to host this year. This includes FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™. 5 on site clinics provided round-the-clock medical support The tournament’s official medical partner Aspetar, the globally recognised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, provided a total of five clinics across the venue for players and spectators. Working alongside the country’s robust national healthcare provider, Hamad General Hospital, the two entities provided emergency and medical services across the pitches. 1,153 accredited media professionals covered the group stage A fully equipped media centre at the Aspire Zone served as a crucial hub for media professionals, allowing them to be in the midst of the football action to capture stories from the pitch and highlight emerging talent. The tournament has attracted global attention for its unique hosting concept, and the exceptional talent that the young generation of players have displayed at Qatar’s world- class sporting infrastructure. The Round of 32 will take place on 14-15 November at the Aspire Zone. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ marks historic firsts for five nations making their World Cup debuts: Uganda, El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia. For these teams, the first 48-team edition of the tournament provides the ideal stage to announce themselves on the youth football landscape. Uganda's participation, in particular, represents a historic moment for the nation, as they are competing in their first-ever FIFA tournament at any level. The team secured their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ following their qualification through the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and a playoff victory over Gambia. "It's every teenager's dream to compete in this tournament. Football means everything to me. Whenever I step onto the pitch, I forget every problem I have. I've been playing football since I was a kid, and until now, I still love to play football. I want to go far in my footballing career to help my family and my community," said right back Elvis Torach. For Coach Elcambio Ssenyondo, leading his team in Qatar represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: "Since they were born, these young boys dream to play on the world's biggest stage, which is the U-17 World Cup. Platforms like these allow young players to showcase their talents so they can get the attention of bigger clubs. It also provides them the competitive experience necessary to progress to the highest levels of the game.” Despite falling 2-1 against Canada, the East African nation achieved a historic milestone: Uganda's first-ever goal scored at a FIFA tournament. In their second match of the tournament, the team drew 1-1 against Chile, and is now set to face France on 11 November, at 3:30pm at the Bader Bilal pitch. “Me and my teammates are not afraid of anything. We are physically and mentally prepared for any challenge coming ahead," said Torach. **media[380453]** “We are facing worthy opponents, but we have the grit, the hunger and zeal to take them on. We are here now and we want to enjoy it as far as we can,” added Coach Ssenyondo. As the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams, this is 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. A total of 104 matches are being contested across eight pitches in the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, culminating in the Final on 27 November at Khalifa International Stadium. This marks the first of five consecutive youth tournaments that Qatar will host through 2029. For FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets and tournament information, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa. For all tournament related updates, follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.

More than 2,000 people attended the opening day and the second day of the Aspire Academy Fan Zone, launched as part of the festivities surrounding the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.**media[380440]**The Aspire Academy Fan Zone, based in Aspire Park, was officially opened by the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 mascot Boma, alongside legendary coach Bora Milutinovic, the man who inspired the tournament's owl symbol.The Serbian coach is not only the only man in history to lead five different national teams at five consecutive FIFA World Cups; he has also played a significant role in Qatar’s football development and continues to serve in an advisory role at Aspire Academy.**media[380434]**That legacy as a talent scout and mentor is reflected in Boma’s character, a wise desert owl always on the lookout for emerging talent.The Aspire Academy Fan Zone will be open daily from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. until the day of the Under-17 World Cup final on 27 November.**media[380436]**The area will offer a fun and interactive experience for all and a chance to win prizes.Visitors will be able to put their footballing skills to the test across six exciting challenges designed to measure their power, accuracy, agility, and jumping ability—and win prizes.Aspire Academy’s Acting Marketing and Communication Director, Muneera Mohammed Hammam, said it was important for the Academy to mark such a landmark event.**media[380438]**“This FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a moment of history for Aspire Academy, as we are hosting 103 of the 104 matches at the finals,” she said.“This is the first time a single venue like ours has hosted an entire World Cup football tournament.”**media[380444]**“We are proud that all the matches are being played on Aspire Academy pitches, except November 27th’s final, which will be held at the neighbouring Khalifa International Stadium.”“Not only are we hosting this newly expanded event, but we are incredibly proud and excited that the entire Qatar squad for the tournament have been trained at Aspire Academy.”**media[380435]**“Eleven of the players are current student-athletes at the Academy, another six graduated in June, and four more are Aspire Academy-trained players.”“We want everyone coming to watch the matches to enjoy their time at Aspire Academy watching the tournament, and we want them to have some fun as they test their own footballing skills.”**media[380437]**“This Fan Zone promises to be fun for fans of all ages and offers them the chance to walk away with a prize if they can successfully complete all the challenges.”**media[380442]**The 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup is the first of five that Qatar will host as the event becomes annual rather than biennial.

Colombia, England and Germany secured spots in the Round of 32 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Monday at the Aspire Zone.South Korea, Switzerland and Venezuela also impressed with wins. Elsewhere, Indonesia made history by recording their first World Cup triumph of any kind, while Brazil struck late to rescue a draw against Zambia.Egypt 0-3 EnglandReigan Heskey’s double powered England into the Round of 32 as they overcame already-qualified Egypt. The Manchester City man fired a thunderous drive home to give his team a first-half lead, before racing forward to slot in and make it 2-0.Heskey had a golden chance to complete his hat-trick, but saw a penalty saved by Omar Abdelaziz, who then miraculously kept out Seth Ridgeon’s follow-up effort. England would grab a third through, with substitute Harrison Miles’ on target to put the result beyond doubt.Venezuela 4-2 HaitiVenezuela completed an unbeaten group stage by fending off a strong challenge from Haiti. Venezuela could not have asked for a better start, as Diego Claut used his chest to redirect in a cross from the left.It quickly became two when John Mancilla converted a penalty after being fouled in the area. The Caribbean side pulled a goal back shortly before intermission on a curling, right-footed shot from Da-Benz Jacquet. Haiti were brimming with belief and evened things up on Woodson Felix’s composed finish from Emerson Laisse’s slick pass. But the final word belonged to Venezuela, with David Garcia slotting home and then scoring a late penalty to secure the points.Switzerland 3-1 MexicoMladen Mijajlovic bagged a brilliant brace as Switzerland sealed top spot in Group F and left Mexico in third. The Swiss opened the scoring with one of the goals of the tournament, Mijajlovic lashing home left-footed from 18 yards at the end of a flowing move. Already rocking, Mexico received another blow when luckless keeper Santiago Lopez diverted an attempted clearance from Felix Contreras into his own net. Aldo De Nigris’ excellent flashing header early in the second half offered fleeting hope of a comeback but Mijajlovic extinguished it from the restart, sliding home clinically to send the Swiss through in style.South Korea 3-1 Cote d'IvoireAlready-qualified South Korea netted three to down Cote d'Ivoire. The Asian heavyweights opened the scoring when Kim Jisung's mishit cross lofted over Christ Kouassi in the Ivorian goal. The Little Elephants, who were eliminated before this match, hit back through a well-worked Allassane Toure strike. Korea Republic wouldn't be denied, though, with Jeong Hyeonung sweeping home just after the break, before Yi Yonghyeon sealed the win from the penalty spot.Colombia 2-0 North KoreaTwo first-half goals proved the difference as Colombia secured their passage to the last 32 versus already-qualified North Korea. Miguel Solarte gave the South Americans the lead as his left-footed effort deflected beyond the despairing dive of Kim Jong-hun. They tightened their grip on proceedings soon after, as Santiago Londono raced through and was felled by the goalkeeper. The striker dusted himself down and powered home the spot-kick to secure all three points.El Salvador 0-7 GermanyDefending champions Germany swept aside El Salvador to qualify for the Round of 32 as group winners. Clinical finishes from Jeremiah Mensah and Alexander Staff put them in control, before Wisdom Mike’s superb turn-and-finish made it 3-0 by half-time. They got their fourth soon after the break when Andrew Reyes deflected the ball into his own goal, before strikes from Mensah, Lasse Eickel and Christian Prenaj wrapped up the scoring.Honduras 1-2 IndonesiaA wonderful Fadly Alberto strike saw Indonesia claim victory over Honduras. It is the first World Cup victory of any kind for Indonesia. Two penalties brought the game to life, with Evandra Florasta putting Indonesia ahead, only for Luis Suazo to reply with a spot-kick of his own almost instantly. Both sides hunted for a winner and it was the Garuda who found it, with Alberto bringing the ball down outside the area, setting himself and rifling in a stunning half-volley. The result keeps Indonesia's faint hopes of qualifying alive, while Honduras are eliminated.Zambia 1-1 BrazilBrazil needed a late leveller to peg back Zambia and secure top spot in Group H, with the African side forced to settle for second. Jonathan Kalimina scored an audacious Olimpico as his low first-half corner evaded defender Arthur Ryan at the near post and left goalkeeper Joao Pedro stranded. But the South Americans pressed hard for an equaliser and eventually found one as Angelo’s cross evaded the previously excellent Christo Chitambala and allowed Dell to nod home.