The FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off tomorrow in Doha, bringing together 48 teams for the biggest edition in the tournament’s history. For nearly a month, the Aspire Zone will be the heart of world football as young players compete for a title that has launched many famous careers.
This will be the first U-17 World Cup under its new expanded format and the first of five consecutive editions to be staged in Qatar through 2029. It marks another milestone for the country’s growing reputation as a trusted global host. After the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup last year, the focus now shifts to youth football.
Qatar has prepared extensively for the event. All 104 matches will be played within the Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, with up to eight fixtures daily. The final will take place at Khalifa International Stadium on November 27. The Local Organising Committee has promised a smooth and family-friendly experience, with easy metro access, affordable tickets and a lively fan zone filled with cultural and entertainment activities.
While the spotlight will naturally fall on results, the real purpose lies in development and experience. The players arriving in Doha are between 15 and 17 years old, an age when football becomes serious, but still full of learning. The hosts, Qatar, have named a 21-player squad led by Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia. Drawn in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, they open their campaign against Italy tomorrow evening. It’s a challenging group, but for these young players, every match will be a lesson. Mejia has spoken about building confidence and using the competition as a platform for growth, rather than only chasing results.
The introduction of BOMA, the Desert Owl mascot inspired by legendary coach Bora Milutinovic, adds a nice touch. The owl represents wisdom and mentorship, qualities that fit well with a tournament about young people taking early steps in their football journeys.
Beyond the pitch, the event underlines Qatar’s ongoing investment in sport as part of its broader vision for youth engagement and international cooperation. The country’s ability to stage major tournaments smoothly has already been proven. Now, it has a chance to show how it can also nurture the next generation of players and fans. When the first whistle blows tomorrow, it will signal more than the start of a football tournament as it will mark another opportunity for the sport’s future stars to dream big and for Qatar to continue shaping football’s global story.
