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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.

There was drama and tension aplenty as the knockout-phase field was completed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Tuesday. It was incredibly tight in Group K as all four sides finished level on points. Ultimately, France, Canada and Uganda progressed, with Chile missing out on goal difference. Uzbekistan and Paraguay then joined Ireland in advancing from Group J, with Burkina Faso and Czech Republic following suit in Group I. Finally, in Group L, Austria finished with a 100-per-cent record, before Mali defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0. That result saw Mexico, who finished third in Group F, edge through at the expense of their Asian counterparts via a better team-conduct score. Hosts Qatar, who lost to Italy and drew with South Africa and Bolivia in Group A, bowed out after a winless campaign as the group stage concluded following 72 matches. The two-day Round of 32 matches is set to kick off on Friday. Burkina Faso 2-0 Tajikistan The West Africans strolled through to the knockout phase and sent the Central Asians home pointless. Burkina Faso had a glaring chance to go ahead on the break’s brink. Cherif Barro was tripped in the area, but Loukman Tapsoba’s resulting spot-kick was superbly saved by Abubakr Rahmonqulov. When they were awarded another penalty after the restart, though, Barro took it and made no mistake, before Eric Ouattara sealed victory. Czech Republic 0-1 USA A stellar second-half performance from Mathis Albert helped USA to victory over Czech Republic and to top spot in the group. The Czechs, despite losing a second straight match, will join them in Round of 32 in third. After a well-contested opening period, the introduction of Albert at half-time changed everything. The dazzling winger almost set up Jude Terry to score, with latter smashing the bar from his cross. It would be the Borussia Dortmund youngster who would have the final say, as he was set free down the left and coolly slotted into the bottom corner. The US finished with ten players, as Mateo Tsakiris was sent off for a high follow-through on Dominik Zajac in the dying seconds. Uzbekistan 6-1 Panama A second-half blitz saw Uzbekistan breeze beyond Panama and reach the Round of 32. It could have been so different for Panama as they were awarded a penalty in the first half, but Ibrokhim Shokirov was equal to Estevis Lopez's spot-kick. Instead, it was Uzbekistan to strike first, with Abubakir Shukurullaev nodding home just after the break. Sadriddin Khasanov and Sayfiddin Sodikov then netted from cut-backs to make the game safe. Jamshidbek Rustamov and Asilbek Aliev tacked on late solo goals, before Abdusamad Saidov tucked home a penalty. The Central Americans would eventually find the net, with Joseph Pacheco scampering through deep into stoppage time and slotting in between Shokirov's legs. Ireland 0-0 Paraguay Ireland held on to top spot with a goalless draw against Paraguay, with a point also enough for the South Americans to progress. Mauricio De Carvalho had Paraguay's best chance in the first half. The No9 pounced on a mistake in the Irish backline and fired on goal from the top of the box, but his effort fell just wide. Down the other end, the electric Jaden Umeh was sent through by Grady McDonnell, only to see his effort repelled by Matias Fernandez. Uganda 1-0 France James Bogere was the hero as Uganda clinched their first-ever World Cup win and a place in the Round of 32. Despite defeat, results elsewhere mean France also progress as group winners. Bogere, whose goals fired the Cranes to Qatar, provided the match-winner with a beautifully whipped finish into the top-left corner. The Africans continued to have the better of it from there, with Arafat Nkoola hooking an effort off the crossbar. A second never came but one goal proved enough on a historic day for the nation. Chile 2-1 Canada Chile were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion despite coming from behind to beat Canada, who have gone through. The South Americans’ inferior goal difference ultimately meant they finished bottom of the group. Shola Jimoh slotted the Canadians into a first-half lead, but the game would turn on its head after the break. Chile duo Zidane Yanez and Matias Orellana were on target to put the South Americans in front. Yanez was later sent off and, while Canada’s Van Parker missed a last-gasp penalty, the Canadians still scraped into the Round of 32. Uganda's victory over France ensured, for the first time in U-17 World Cup group-stage history, all four sides finished level on points. Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mali **media[380609]****media[380609]** Quick-fire goals sent Adama Diallo’s side into the last 32 and resigned Saudi Arabia to elimination. The AFC giants finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored with Mexico in the third-place table, but exit with a worse team-conduct score. Seydou Dembele forced Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Abdulrahman Alotaibi into a smart stop in the first half, before Raymond Bomba volleyed home Traore Mohamed’s cross from the back post to give Mali the lead. Ibrahim Diakite put the result beyond doubt, rounding Alotaibi and sliding the ball into an empty net. New Zealand 1-4 Austria A late rally saw Austria sink New Zealand and complete a perfect group stage. Nicolas Jozepovic netted first, as the forward muscled off two New Zealand defenders and laced high into the net from the top of the box. Austria would concede an equaliser all of their own making, as William Britton capitalised on a slack Sergej Savic pass to net. The Europeans powered on, though, with Dominik Dobis heading in, before Hasan Deshishku clinched a late brace from off the bench. Round of 32 Fixtures Senegal vs Uganda USA vs Morocco Venezuela vs North Korea Austria vs Tunisia Switzerland vs Egypt Germany vs Burkina Faso Zambia vs Mali Ireland vs Canada Brazil vs Paraguay Croatia vs Uzbekistan Italy vs Czech Republic France vs Colombia Argentina vs Mexico South Korea vs England Portugal vs Belgium Japan vs South Africa What they said... "This is our first time here and we are out of the group, we beat France. Man... this means a lot. France came second in the last tournament. They had the pedigree, but we had the character. We came here, we played our way and we won." Brian Ssenyondo, Uganda coach “We knew it was going to be a tough game. Paraguay are a physical side, they’re direct, and they had a lot to play for coming into this game as well. We achieved our objective, we’ve topped the group. The players have been superb. They give us everything and they’re making history here.” Colin O’Brien, Republic of Ireland coach "We’ll take the positives and try to forget the negatives, meaning the defeat against Uganda. It was a tough match in terms of intensity, they were a good team, and we couldn’t manage to win. Now we’ll use that experience for the next game, clear our minds and start over, because now it’s a new competition that begins." Soan Ameline, France midfielder "The pressure was massive in this game. At half-time, the coach spoke with us and we all came together, and the second half was just something incredible. For me as a goalkeeper, it was great when we went three or four goals up, then I could calm down a little!" Ibrokhim Shokirov, Uzbekistan goalkeeper "The objective was to come here to compete, although it's true that we didn't like the first match, but we knew how to compete. We did well in the second match, and today we knew that the Republic of Ireland is a team that plays a lot of long balls. We matched them. We couldn't take advantage of the chances we had. Starting Thursday, a totally different tournament begins, and we're going to compete in every match we have". Mariano Uglessich, Paraguay coach “I’m really excited and happy to get my first goal. We just need to keep up this momentum. I think we could go really far. Every game we play, we have so much intensity. We’re just so focused on winning. We’re like a family. That’s what got us to this stage and we just have to keep moving.” Mathis Albert, USA goalscorer

Belgium, Japan, Senegal, Croatia and South Africa booked their places in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 at the Aspire Zone Sunday, as Groups A, B, C and D came to a close.There remains hope for the hosts Qatar, Morocco and Tunisia, but they must wait and see if they progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Results also ensured Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, Korea Republic and Korea DPR will feature in the Round of 32.Despite a host of chances, hosts Qatar couldn’t break through a stubborn Bolivia backline. The result leaves the hosts’ last-32 hopes hanging by a thread, while the South Americans are out.Yazan Mohamed came close in the first half, as he tested Geronimo Govea with a fierce low drive. Captain Zaid Ktit then hit the bar in the second half, before sending a chip over Govea but just past the post. Mohamed came even closer in added time, as he powered an effort off the upright from five yards out.Italy 3-1 South AfricaSamuele Inacio hit a double as Italy beat South Africa to confirm top spot. Bafana Bafana, while beaten, have also qualified for the knockout phase, with their four points enough to seal second spot. Inacio’s slick finish opened the scoring, before Shaun Els bundled in a leveller. Antonio Arena’s header restored Italy’s advantage, before Inacio scored his second of the game and fourth of the tournament to wrap up victory.Morocco 16-0 New CaledoniaMorocco racked up the biggest victory in U-17 World Cup history to keep their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout phase. Spain’s 13-0 win over New Zealand was the previous biggest win, but the Atlas Cubs surpassed that with a relentless performance. Morocco captain Hamza Bouhaddi, said, “We’re delighted with this win and the spirit we showed today. This is our true level. We lost the first two matches, but we tried to put that behind us and we approached today’s game as if it were our first in the tournament.” New Caledonia had two players sent off during the first half, with Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez given red cards.They were made to pay, with Oualid Ibn Salah, Abdelali Eddaoudi, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, Ismail El Aoud and Abdellah Ouazane all completing braces as Morocco steadfastly hunted the goals which could give them a better chance to progressing to the Round of 32. They finished behind Japan and Portugal in Group B, and will now have to wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed sides.Portugal 1-2 JapanJapan recovered from a disappointing draw with New Caledonia by downing Portugal to top the standings. Takeshi Wada opened the scoring with a neat touch and finish. Mateus Mide thought he’d levelled just moments later, but his long-range effort went through two Portuguese players who had strayed offside. They were then stung by a Japanese sucker-punch, as Taiga Seguchi lasered in from distance.The game flipped with just under 20 minutes to go, as Kaiji Chonan was sent off for a kick out on Stevan Manuel. Portugal quickly halved the arrears from there, with Zeega bundling home from close range. Bino Macaes’ side pressed in the final ten minutes, but Japan held on to secure victory.UAE 0-5 SenegalA Bakary Sonko treble saw Senegal sink United Arab Emirates and advance as group winners. Malick Cisse got the ball rolling with an ice-cool stuttered penalty after Saad Mubarak had wiped out Alwaly Camara. It was the Sonko show from then on. First, he nodded home from beneath the crossbar, before lashing in his second. Mame Sow then crossed for the No8 to tap in for the match ball. Victor Mendy completed the scoring when he fired into the roof of the the net from close range.Croatia 3-1 Costa RicaCroatia also secured a last-32 berth with victory over Costa Rica. The Europeans broke the deadlock when Kresimir Rados got on the end of a devilish Karlo Pajsar cross to net for a second straight match. Raul Kumar doubled the lead with a back-post header from a corner. Costa Rica quickly got back into the match with Thiago Cordero firing in a low drive from outside the box, but Tino Kusanovic nodded in late from another Pajsar cross to seal victory. A delighted Croatia coach Marijan Budimir said, “I want to congratulate my boys. They played a very good game, they controlled the game from the first moment until the end. It’s a pity we didn’t score more goals. The team are very disciplined in defence and sharp in attack. We want to go as far as possible in the tournament.”Fiji 0-7 ArgentinaArgentina continued their 100-per-cent start to Morocco 2025 with a thumping win over Fiji. Uriel Ojeda looked to give the South Americans an early lead, but his penalty was repelled by Melvin Prakash. It was only a temporary reprieve, however, as Ojeda netted, before a fine brace from Mateo Martinez. Ojeda then netted a free-kick in the second half, and side-footed home from inside the box for the match ball. Santiago Silveira and Simon Escobar tacked on two late goals to complete the scoring.Belgium 2-0 TunisiaNoah Fernandez set Belgium on their way to victory over ten-player Tunisia and a spot in the last 32. The mercurial midfielder picked up a slack pass from goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar, skipped inside and netted inside 52 seconds. Tunisia’s task was then made doubly difficult on 17 minutes as Saifedin Haj Abdallah was sent off for a high tackle. Ali Camara made the game safe in the second period with a stunning drive from the edge of the box.

The drama and excitement continued at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Saturday as several nations booked their spots in the knockout rounds, while others kept their dreams alive with hard-fought results. At the Aspire Zone, USA, Austria and Ireland confirmed qualification with comeback wins, while Burkina Faso edged Czech Republic in a thriller, and Uganda celebrated a historic first-ever point at a FIFA tournament. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia stunned New Zealand, France and Canada shared the spoils, and Paraguay outlasted Panama in a tense encounter. Czech Republic 1-2 Burkina Faso Mohamed Zongo was the architect of Burkina Faso’s vital victory, opening the scoring with a stunning long-range strike after his side won the ball thanks to a high press. Czechia levelled almost immediately as Adam Novak released Vit Skrkon to finish calmly, only for Zongo to then provide the corner delivery for Loukman Tapsoba to power home the winning header. USA 2-1 Tajikistan USA overcame a shock early setback to book their place in the round of 32. Tajikistan took an unexpected lead when Muhammad Nazriev exchanged passes with Mehrubon Odilzoda before producing a smart finish, but USA levelled as Nimfasha Berchimas headed home a corner. After heavy pressure, Cavan Sullivan executed a textbook Panenka penalty to complete the comeback. Paraguay 2-1 Panama Pedro Villalba played a central role as Paraguay overcame 10-man Panama. Jossimar Insturain was dismissed after receiving his second yellow for a challenge on midfielder Villalba, with the South Americans then taking the lead as a smart exchange between Carlos Franco and the No20 allowed Thiago Aranda to strike. Villalba then burst into the box to fire a low strike through Adamir Aparicio from close range, before Aldo Sanabria's late own-goal set up a tense finish. Ireland 2-1 Uzbekistan Ireland rallied from an early deficit to defeat Uzbekistan and book their spot in the Round of 32. Uzbekistan broke the deadlock when a parry from goalkeeper Alex Noonan fell right to Abubakir Shukurullaev, who volleyed in. But Ireland levelled as Grady McDonnell rose above a pair of defenders and steered a header home. After chances for both sides to start the second stanza, the Irish wrestled away the lead, with Michael Noonan thumping in a header. **media[379207]** Uganda 1-1 Chile Substitute Derick Ssozi scored Uganda’s first-ever goal at a FIFA tournament to snatch a vital point for the African nation. Chile captain Bruno Torres’ glancing header from Antonio Riquelme’s curling free-kick looked set to be the winner, until a corner deep into added time caused chaos in the box and allowed Ssozi, who had been on the pitch for a matter of seconds, to fire home. France 0-0 Canada France and Canada had to settle for a share of the spoils in their Group K outing, a result that leaves the duo in pole position to progress. France's Pierre Mounguengue came closest to breaking the deadlock in the closing moments as he jinked into the area and beat Jonathan Ransom, only to see his effort come back off the outside of the post. Mali 0-3 Austria Austria delivered an impressive team display to beat Mali and qualify for the U-17 World Cup knockout phase for the first time. They took a first-half lead through Johannes Moser’s penalty. Mali’s task was made all the more difficult when Samba Konare was sent off for a reckless challenge. Hasan Deshishku’s fine finish made it 2-0, before Nicolas Jozepovic’s stoppage-time header added some gloss to the scoreline. Saudi Arabia 3-2 New Zealand Saudi Arabia breathed fresh life into their campaign with a thrilling victory over New Zealand, who have been eliminated. Saudi Arabia took an early lead in fortunate circumstances when a New Zealand defensive clearance bounced off Abdulrahman Sufyani and looped into the net. The OFC side levelled through Matias Nunez’s deflected strike, but Sabri Dahal then raced clear to score for the Saudis. Jack Perniskie’s wonderful backheel made it 2-2, but Saudi Arabia were to have the last word, with Thari Saeed rifling in a stoppage-time winner.

Hosts Qatar kept their qualification hopes alive with a draw 1-1 against South Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Thursday, while Argentina, Italy and Portugal secured their passage to the knockout stage. At the Mansour Muftah in Aspire Zone, Qatar and South Africa battled out a tense draw which moved Bafana Bafana into a strong position and kept the hosts’ hopes of progression well and truly alive. Qatar got off to a dream start when Yazan Mohamed arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner. Emile Witbooi, outstanding throughout, soon pulled South Africa level with a fine header. Clear chances then proved hard to come by and the sides were forced to settle for a share of the points. This draw gives Qatar, who lost 1-0 to Italy in their opening match, one point and keeps their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 alive. South Africa, who defeated Bolivia 3-1 in their first match, now have four points. Qatar will face Bolivia in their final group stage match on Sunday. Bolivia 0-4 Italy Italy swept aside Bolivia to make it back-to-back Group A victories and progress to the knockout stages. Simone Lontani’s smart finish put them in front, before Samuele Inacio’s unstoppable strike doubled their advantage. Substitute Destiny Elimoghale burst clear to score the Italians’ third. Inacio and Bolivia’s Jesus Maraude then failed to convert penalties, before Fabio Pandolfi slotted a late fourth. Portugal 6-0 Morocco Portugal stayed perfect and booked their spot in the knockouts with a routine win. Joao Aragao got the ball rolling with a low drive, before Anisio Cabral rifled in a second. Mateus Mide helped himself to a brace, including a penalty, before the interval. Jose Neto quickly added another after the break, and duly headed in for his second on the hour to complete the scoring. Japan 0-0 New Caledonia Nicolas Kutran’s astounding reflexes earned the Pacific Islanders an unforeseen point. With Jelani Ren Mcghee and Minato Yoshida sparkling, Nozomi Hiroyama’s Young Samurai Blue had 18 shots in the first half, but the New Caledonia goalkeeper made excellent saves with both legs. After the break, Kutran exasperated McGhee with his fingertips, while Yoshida’s overhead kick skimmed the crossbar as Japan ran out of time. Group C United Arab Emirates 0-3 Croatia Croatia dominated from start to finish as they cruised past United Arab Emirates. A high line of pressure resulted in the first goal, with Gabrijel Sivalec blocking a pass and the ball deflecting into the path of Tino Kusanovic, who swept home for the opener. Sivalec then doubled the advantage by cutting off an attempted clearance and curling a right-footed shot into net. UAE played with more purpose in the second stanza, but the night belonged to Croatia, and a header from Kresimir Rados in the final minutes served as the exclamation point. Senegal 1-0 Costa Rica Senegal continued their unbeaten start thanks to Alwaly Camara's early strike. In the eighth minute, Etienne Mendy picked up the ball on the left wing and squared it neatly to Camara who powered home his effort. Costa Rica, for their part, struggled to make any impact to leave their qualification hopes in the balance. Argentina 1-0 Tunisia For the second game in a row, Facundo Jainikoski emerged from the bench to inspire Argentina to victory. The South Americans have now secured their passage to the knockout stages. After an even opening period, Diego Placente turned to his No18 to change the game. Just as he did against Belgium, he scored within ten minutes of entering the fray. Bearing down on the Tunisia goal, the Argentinos Juniors forward let fly and found the bottom corner. He almost doubled his money soon after, only to see a rasping drive cannon off the crossbar. Fiji 0-7 Belgium Rene Mitongo scored a fantastic four as Belgium got their campaign up and running with a comprehensive victory over Fiji, who are now eliminated. The Europeans took control of the game from the outset, scoring twice in the opening nine minutes through a Noah Fernandez free-kick and Pablo Capilla Rivera strike. Fernandez then turned provider as he set up Mitongo, who tapped the ball into the empty net. Loic Alvarez made it four thanks to a brilliant individual effort before Mitingo scored his second just before the break. Both sides were then reduced to ten men with Belgium's August de Wannemacker and Teimana Goundar given their marching orders. Mitongo scored two late goals to seal the rout and stake his early claim for the Golden Boot. What they said... “I cannot describe how it feels to score! I am just so glad to be here with my team-mates. I am the youngest one and they make me feel good in the team. That gives me a lot of confidence.” Destiny Elimoghale, Italy goalscorer "This was a different game, against a good team. We started strong, created a little anxiety on their team, because they knew that losing could cost their qualification, and we played with that." Bino Macaes, Portugal coach "I think we gave 100 per cent as a team in this match. Personally, there were moments where I feel I could have done more, but this really reminded us that at the World Cup, if you don’t finish your chances, the game becomes very difficult. If we win the next match against Portugal, we advance from the group stage. So this time, I want to be the one to score and lead Japan to victory." Minato Yoshida, Japan forward "A happy coach, but above all a happy coaching staff, delighted to see our young players capable of surpassing themselves and giving their all throughout a match against a team like Japan. We knew our young players were capable of competing and trying to match the level of these great nations. But the uncertainty was about how long they could do it for. Against Portugal, we managed to hold out for one half and then we collapsed physically. This time, we managed to hold out for the whole match, keep a clean sheet and snatch a point from the draw without conceding a goal. It's a real achievement for us." Leonardo Lopez, New Caledonia coach "We played well tactically in the first half, but we had some difficulties getting the ball out of our half. We corrected that at half-time, and then we were able to get the ball and play our game. We had chances to score, and before Argentina's goal, we had an opportunity to score, but they scored on a transition. We'll take the positives, we'll fix the negatives and we'll look ahead to the next match against Belgium." Amine Naffati, Tunisia coach "We're happy because sometimes it's not easy, and even less so to qualify in the second match. And happy because we've beaten the two toughest opponents. We played better today and we're satisfied." Diego Placente, Argentina coach "Everyone says it was only Fiji. But you still have to play the match and always respect your opponents, who really played with heart. I’m very pleased with what the players showed on the pitch." Bob Browaeys, Belgium coach "We worked really hard for this match. Scoring seven goals isn’t easy. We took the game very seriously, the coach told us to. I feel good and I’m happy [to have scored four goals], but it’s not over. The tournament is still long and we’re going to keep working hard." Rene Mitongo, Belgium forward "The main thing is that we won. In the first match, we had chances but we didn’t take them. Today, we won thanks to the players, the staff and the management. This victory is for the people." Alwaly Camara, Senegal forward "Matches sometimes decided by mistakes. We made a mistake at the start of the match that cost us their goal. They were very decisive. It was the clearest chance they had and they took it. But that's football. We couldn't equalise despite having two or three clear chances." Randall Row, Costa Rica coach