Qatar set to host FIFA U-17 World Cup from 2025-2029; competition increased to 48 teams

The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held every year from 2025

FIFA has made a huge announcement. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held annually from 2025 and the next five editions of the tournament will take place in Qatar.

The tournament, which was founded in 1985, will also be held annually rather than biennially from 2025. There is also a big boost for lower-ranked nations as the number of teams increases from 24 to 48.

The women’s under-17 World Cups from 2025 will also become an annual competition as well as being expanded from 16 teams to 24 teams. The next five editions of the women’s under-17 World Cup will take place in Morocco.

These changes were announced by FIFA ahead of the 74th FIFA Congress. The Governing body stated, “Follow a global call for expressions of interest in hosting both competitions, with a focus on leveraging the use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability.”

Germany are the holders of the men’s U-17 World Cup. They defeated France in the tournament that was held in Indonesia last year. Spain won the women’s competition after winning the final match against Colombia in India in 2022.

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In a statement released on its website, FIFA emphasized the role of infrastructure and sustainability in the decision-making process.

“These two countries were chosen following a worldwide call for bids, one of the key criteria being the use of existing soccer infrastructures for logistical efficiency and sustainability,” the statement read.

FIFA also said a record $2.25 billion had been earmarked for the 2023-2026 cycle for investment in football development.

The focus on increased competition and infrastructure utilization reflects FIFA’s commitment to the future of football at all levels.

In October 2023, the joint bid by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal was chosen as the sole candidate to host the FIFA World Cup 2030.

This historic event will see the three nations share the responsibility of organizing the tournament, except for the opening matches slated for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

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