March 15, 2024 – In a monumental decision aimed at nurturing youth football worldwide, the FIFA Council has announced the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ to include 48 teams.
This expansion reflects FIFA’s unwavering dedication to developing young talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level.
Traditionally held biennially, the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ will now become an annual event, providing more opportunities for young players to showcase their skills on the global stage. This move underscores FIFA’s commitment to fostering the growth and competitiveness of youth football across diverse regions.
Moreover, the FIFA Council has confirmed that the next five editions of the tournament, starting from 2025, will be hosted in Qatar. The decision to award Qatar the hosting rights aligns with FIFA’s vision of leveraging existing football infrastructure and promoting sustainability in tournament organization.
The announcement comes following a comprehensive evaluation process, which included a global call for expressions of interest in hosting both the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™. The focus was on utilizing existing footballing infrastructure to ensure tournament efficiencies and sustainability.
In addition to the expansion of the men’s tournament, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ is also set for significant changes. Expanded to accommodate 24 teams, the women’s tournament will also transition to an annual format starting in 2025.
Morocco has been selected as the host country for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ until 2029. This decision reflects FIFA’s commitment to advancing women’s football globally and providing young female players with greater opportunities to compete at the highest level.
The expansion of both tournaments signifies FIFA’s recognition of the growing interest and talent pool in youth football, as well as the importance of providing platforms for young players to develop their skills and experience international competition.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup™ and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ serve as crucial stepping stones in the development of future football stars, with many players using these tournaments as a launchpad for successful professional careers.
By expanding the tournaments and making them annual events, FIFA aims to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway for aspiring young footballers from all corners of the globe. These decisions reaffirm FIFA’s commitment to youth development and the continued growth of the beautiful game on a global scale.
