Key Highlights
- The 2025 Under-17 World Cup kicks off on November 3 in Qatar.
- England is among the 48 teams competing, with a squad of 21 players selected for the tournament.
- England’s first match is against Venezuela on November 4 at 15:15 GMT.
- The England squad includes young talents who have experience in top-tier youth football leagues.
The 2025 Under-17 World Cup: Qatar Hosts the Youth Football Tournament
The 2025 Under-17 World Cup is set to begin on November 3, marking a significant milestone in international youth football. The tournament, which will take place in Qatar until November 27, involves 48 teams, adhering to the format that will be used at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Historical Context and Format
The Under-17 World Cup has been held every two years since its inauguration in 1985. However, the event skipped a year in 2021 due to unforeseen circumstances. The 2025 edition marks the start of five consecutive U17 World Cups hosted by Qatar over the next five years.
Notably, Germany are currently the defending champions, having secured their title through an intense penalty shootout against France in the final held in Indonesia in 2023. Nigeria, with five victories under their belt, is the most successful nation to date.
The England Squad: A Showcase of Young Talent
England’s Under-17 squad for this tournament comprises a mix of young players who have already gained valuable experience at higher levels of youth football. Among them are:
- Reggie Walsh, a midfielder from Chelsea, who made his Champions League debut against Ajax in October.
- Brendan Burrowes, an Aston Villa player who recently debuted for the Premier League side in August.
- Dylan Moody, a goalkeeper from Southampton and son of 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Lewis.
- Reigan Heskey, a Manchester City forward with a father, Emile, who played for Liverpool and England’s senior team in the past.
Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Details
The first match of the tournament will see England face Venezuela on November 4 at 15:15 GMT. Other fixtures include:
- England v Haiti – Friday, 7 November – 12:30 GMT.
- England v Egypt – Monday, 10 November – 15:45 GMT.
All England games will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on ITV. Fans worldwide can follow the tournament on FIFA+ streaming service.
Favorite Teams and Contenders
The favorites for this edition include Brazil, who have a strong recent record in the competition. Additionally, Germany and France, having contested the 2023 final, are among the most anticipated teams. Mali’s third-place finish from two years ago also places them as potential contenders.
Given the exposure to Premier League and Champions League football that some of these young players have experienced, England is expected to be a formidable team throughout the tournament.
The 2025 Under-17 World Cup promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the future stars of international youth football. Fans can look forward to intense matches and moments of brilliance as teams from around the world compete for glory in Qatar.
