In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has announced that both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cups will transition from biennial to annual events starting in 2025. This decision aims to provide more frequent global showcases for young football talent and to increase the reach and impact of youth football worldwide.
Qatar has been named the host for the next five editions of the men’s U-17 World Cup, spanning from 2025 to 2029. On the other hand, Morocco will host the women’s U-17 World Cup for the same period. This long-term hosting commitment highlights FIFA’s confidence in these nations to deliver high-quality tournaments consistently.
Additionally, the FIFA Council revealed plans to expand the men’s U-17 World Cup from 24 to 48 teams, doubling the current number. The women’s competition will also see growth, expanding from 16 to 24 teams. This expansion is set to provide more opportunities for young athletes and to foster greater diversity and competition in the tournaments.
\"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. By utilizing existing facilities, FIFA aims to ensure sustainable growth and efficient management of the tournaments.
The move to annual tournaments and the expansion of participating teams underscore FIFA’s commitment to developing youth football and providing platforms for the next generation of football stars to shine on the global stage.
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Men's, women's U-17 World Cups to be staged annually from 2025: FIFA
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