In a landmark decision on March 15, the FIFA Council announced significant changes to the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cups. Beginning in 2025, both tournaments will shift from a biennial to an annual schedule, and expand their team rosters—the men’s competition doubling from 24 to 48 teams, and the women’s increasing from 16 to 24 teams.
Qatar and Morocco have been selected to host the first five editions of the revamped men’s and women’s tournaments, respectively. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for youth football, particularly in Asia, where developing nations stand to gain increased exposure and competitive opportunities on the global stage.
The changes will inevitably reshape the landscape of continental qualifying tournaments. Taking the AFC U-17 Asian Cup as an example, under the current format, teams play a limited number of matches—sometimes as few as two—during the qualification phase every two years. Those who advance may play up to six additional games in the Asian Cup and potentially reach the World Cup.
With the World Cup’s expansion and increased frequency, Asian nations can anticipate more frequent and extended international competition. This offers invaluable experience for young players and could accelerate the development of football programs across the continent.
For instance, Uzbekistan, the best-performing Asian team at the last men’s U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, played a total of 12 matches over two years. In contrast, teams like Brunei and Mongolia, which exited in the early qualifying rounds, had only two matches in the same period. The new format promises to bridge this gap, providing lesser-known teams with more opportunities to compete and improve.
This overhaul not only elevates the standard of youth football but also aligns with FIFA’s vision to globalize the sport further. By increasing participation, especially from Asia and other underrepresented regions, the tournaments aim to foster talent and unearth future stars of the game.
As Asian nations prepare for this exciting new chapter, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects. More game time, exposure to diverse playing styles, and the chance to compete against a broader array of international teams could significantly enhance the development of young players across the continent.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
