The 2025 Under-17 World Cup is set to kick off in Qatar on Monday, featuring 48 teams competing for the prestigious title. Notably, England and the Republic of Ireland are among the nations participating, marking an exciting chapter in youth football.
This year’s tournament follows the expanded format that will be implemented at the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. England’s journey begins on Tuesday, as they face off against Venezuela at 15:15 GMT.
The Under-17 World Cup has a rich history, having been held every two years since its inception in 1985, although the 2021 edition was canceled due to global circumstances. The 2025 tournament is especially significant as it inaugurates a series of consecutive U17 World Cups hosted in Qatar over the next five years, showcasing the nation’s commitment to nurturing young talent in football.
England, who claimed victory in the tournament in 2017, will aim to replicate their success. Meanwhile, Nigeria holds the record for the most wins, boasting five World Cup titles. The defending champions, Germany, will also be looking to make an impact after triumphing over France on penalties in the 2023 final held in Indonesia.
This tournament not only highlights the burgeoning talents across nations but also sets an optimistic tone for the future of football, as young athletes display their skills on an international stage. As excitement builds ahead of the matches, fans around the globe are eager to witness the next generation of football stars.