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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.

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.