FIFA announced that starting in 2025, the FIFA Under-17 World Cup will occur annually instead of every two years.
Qatar will host the next five editions, and the tournament will expand to include 48 teams, similar to the format of the senior men’s World Cup.
In addition, the women’s Under-17 World Cup will also change to an annual event from 2025 onward, with Morocco hosting an expanded 24-team competition until 2029.
This change aims to ensure more age groups have the opportunity to participate and to hasten the development of national teams globally.
The recent decisions by FIFA’s ruling council highlight the increasing influence of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in football.
These hosting decisions were made following a global call for hosting interest, with a focus on utilising existing venues for efficiency and sustainability.
Additionally, FIFA announced a record $2.25 billion investment in football development for the 2023-2026 cycle.
This is great news for academy football scholars in the UK.
2025 Edition of the FIFA U17 World Cup
England, who last won the tournament eight years ago in India, face Venezuela, Haiti, and Egypt in the group stage.
The competition kicks off in Qatar on 3rd November, with the final on 27th November.
ITV has secured a new deal with FIFA to broadcast the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, including all three of England’s group matches and select knockout games, free-to-air on ITV4 and ITVX.
