Staff Reporter
Doha: FIFA and the Local Organising Committee for Football Events have confirmed that the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will be staged from November 19 to December 13, 2026, as the prestigious youth competition returns to Qatar for a second consecutive year.
The 2026 edition forms part of a broader hosting strategy that will see Qatar stage five successive tournaments through 2029, reinforcing its growing role as a global hub for international football. Following the landmark 2025 competition—which introduced a historic expansion to 48 teams, the largest in the tournament’s history—the upcoming edition will continue with the same format, offering a global platform for emerging talent to compete at the highest level.
A total of 48 national teams will qualify for the tournament, with the official draw scheduled to take place on May 21 in Zurich. Matches will once again be hosted within the advanced facilities of the Aspire Zone, where the purpose-built Competition Complex will serve as the tournament’s central hub. The venue’s compact and integrated design proved highly effective in 2025, creating a seamless experience for both fans and stakeholders.
The centralised hosting model was a defining feature of last year’s tournament, drawing more than 197,000 spectators across 104 matches played over 15 matchdays. It also provided significant advantages for talent identification, with over 130 scouts from leading global clubs in attendance. The ability to monitor multiple matches and players within a single venue enhanced scouting efficiency and visibility for young prospects.
The 2025 edition also served as a breakthrough stage for several rising stars, including Hamza Abdelkarim of Egypt, Seydou Dembélé of Mali, Belgium’s Jesse Bisiwu and Nathan De Cat, as well as Italy’s Samuele Inacio. The 2026 tournament is expected to continue this tradition, offering a global stage for the next generation of football talent to emerge.
The final will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, one of Qatar’s most historic sporting venues. The stadium hosted the 2025 final, where Portugal lifted the trophy in front of 38,901 spectators. In 2026, Khalifa International Stadium will also celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since its inauguration in 1976.
Over the years, the venue has played host to numerous major sporting events, including matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of Qatar’s sporting infrastructure. It is also set to host the Amir Cup Final on May 9, 2026, continuing its legacy as a premier destination for high-profile competitions.
As anticipation builds for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, fans and stakeholders can follow updates and tournament information through the official “Road to Qatar” social media channels.
