FIFA has announced a significant overhaul of its youth football tournaments, with the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cups set to be held annually from 2025 onwards. This change aims to provide more opportunities for young talents worldwide to showcase their skills on the global stage.
In a statement released on Thursday, FIFA confirmed that Qatar will host the next five editions of the men’s U-17 World Cup from 2025 to 2029. Simultaneously, Morocco has been awarded the hosting rights for the women’s U-17 World Cup over the same period.
The FIFA Council, the organization’s highest decision-making body, also revealed plans to expand both tournaments. The men’s U-17 World Cup will grow from 24 to 48 teams, while the women’s competition will increase from 16 to 24 teams.
“These decisions followed 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,” FIFA stated.
The move to annual competitions reflects FIFA’s commitment to fostering youth development and promoting football across all regions. By increasing participation and frequency, the organization hopes to enhance competitive opportunities for emerging players.
This development is particularly significant for Asia and Africa, highlighting Qatar and Morocco’s roles in hosting major international sporting events. It underscores the growing influence and capability of these regions in the global football community.
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Men's, women's U-17 World Cups to be staged annually from 2025: FIFA
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