FIFA U-17 World Cup
Having automatically qualified as hosts, the West Asian side have spared no effort in ensuring their team is fully prepared for the global showpiece.
Head coach Alvaro Mejia is hoping to turn home advantage into a key factor as Qatar aim for their best-ever showing at this level.
Head coach Alvaro Mejia is hoping to turn home advantage into a key factor as Qatar aim for their best-ever showing at this level.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 7
Best finish: Fourth place (1991)
2023 record: Did not qualify
How they got there: Hosts
Head coach: Alvaro Mejia
Fun fact: Qatar last featured in the U-17 World Cup in 2005
Group A Fixtures: Italy (Nov 3), South Africa (Nov 6), Bolivia (Nov 9)
Previous appearances: 7
Best finish: Fourth place (1991)
2023 record: Did not qualify
How they got there: Hosts
Head coach: Alvaro Mejia
Fun fact: Qatar last featured in the U-17 World Cup in 2005
Group A Fixtures: Italy (Nov 3), South Africa (Nov 6), Bolivia (Nov 9)
Having lost out in qualifying for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia™ 2025 in April, Qatar have undergone comprehensive preparation for the world meet.
Mejia used the 2025 Gulf Cup as a valuable testing ground, tinkering with his tactical setups and assessing player combinations in preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
Mejia used the 2025 Gulf Cup as a valuable testing ground, tinkering with his tactical setups and assessing player combinations in preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
Their Gulf Cup campaign began positively with a 1-0 win over Yemen, followed by another 1-0 victory against Oman to top their group.
However, their run ended in the semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners Saudi Arabia, despite taking an early lead through Adam Riyadh.
However, their run ended in the semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners Saudi Arabia, despite taking an early lead through Adam Riyadh.
Playing in front of their home supporters, Qatar will look to open strongly against European powerhouse Italy, before taking on South Africa followed by Bolivia.
Mejia has emphasised on building a well-prepared and adaptable squad with the likes of Zaid Faisal, Omar Al Marzouqi and Ahmed Saber forming the core group.
Photos: Qatar Football Association
Mejia has emphasised on building a well-prepared and adaptable squad with the likes of Zaid Faisal, Omar Al Marzouqi and Ahmed Saber forming the core group.
Photos: Qatar Football Association
