Key Highlights
- The 2025 Under-17 World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 3.
- England and the Republic of Ireland are among the participating nations.
- There will be 48 teams competing, following a format similar to the 2026 World Cup.
- The tournament runs until November 27 in Qatar.
Tournament Overview and Format
The 2025 Under-17 World Cup is set to commence on November 3, marking the beginning of a series of five consecutive tournaments hosted by Qatar. This prestigious event will feature 48 teams, mirroring the format that will be utilized for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The competition, which has been held every two years since its inception in 1985 (with the notable absence of the 2021 edition), is expected to showcase a robust field of young talent. The round-robin stage will see teams grouped into eight groups of six, with each group playing three matches against the other sides within their respective pools.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, alongside the best third-placed teams in terms of overall performance. This ensures a competitive and exciting tournament right until its conclusion on November 27.
England’s Squad for the Tournament
England has named a squad of 21 players for this tournament, many of whom have already tasted success at higher levels of football. Notable inclusions include Reggie Walsh from Chelsea, who made his Champions League debut against Ajax in October; Bradley Burrowes from Aston Villa, who debuted in the Premier League last August; and Dylan Moody from Southampton, son of former Rugby World Cup winner Lewis.
The squad is expected to be a formidable one, with the likes of Alejandro Rodriguez spearheading the attack. Rodriguez, who has already played for England’s under-20s and made his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon last season, will bring valuable experience to the team.
Other key players include goalkeeper Dylan Moody, defenders like Kaiden Braithwaite from Manchester City, midfielders Seth Ridgeon from Fulham, and forwards Ryan McAidoo and Alejandro Rodriguez.
England’s head coach, Neil Ryan, has set high expectations for his side. With a mix of experienced and emerging talents in the squad, England aims to compete at the highest level during this tournament.
Notable Teams and Historical Context
Brazil is tipped as one of the top contenders based on their recent success in the U17 World Cup. Germany, the defending champions after beating France in the 2023 final in Indonesia, are also among the favorites. The tournament will feature a total of 48 teams across eight groups, ensuring intense competition and exciting matches.
England won the tournament in 2017, while Nigeria is the most successful nation with five World Cup victories.
Germany’s victory in 2023 adds to their strong presence as defending champions, making them a significant threat. Other teams like Mali, who finished third two years ago, will also be looking to make an impact.
The tournament promises to be thrilling, with all matches broadcast live on ITV for fans in the United Kingdom and available globally through Fifa+ for viewers around the world. England’s journey begins against Venezuela on Tuesday, November 4 at 15:15 GMT.
Conclusion
The 2025 Under-17 World Cup is set to be a landmark event in youth football, with 48 teams vying for glory. England’s squad, led by experienced coaches and promising talents, aims to make a strong impact. As the tournament unfolds from November 3 to 27 in Qatar, fans can expect an engaging series of matches that will showcase some of the brightest young stars in global football.
