In a groundbreaking move on March 15, the FIFA Council announced significant changes to the U-17 World Cups, transforming them into annual events starting in 2025. This decision marks a pivotal shift in youth football, aiming to foster greater global participation and competition.
Under the new structure, both the men's and women's U-17 World Cups will see an expansion in the number of participating teams. The men's tournament will double from 24 to 48 teams, while the women's event will increase from 16 to 24 teams. This expansion is set to provide more young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage.
Qatar and Morocco have been selected to host the first five editions of the revamped men's and women's tournaments, respectively. This selection highlights the growing importance of these nations in the global football landscape and their commitment to developing youth sports.
The restructuring extends beyond the World Cups themselves, impacting continental championships that serve as qualifying events. For instance, the AFC U-17 Asian Cup will also adopt a similar two-fold change, increasing the number of matches and teams. This will enhance the competitive environment and provide a more comprehensive pathway for young players aspiring to compete internationally.
Reflecting on the recent men's U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia, Uzbekistan emerged as the top-performing Asian team by reaching the quarterfinals. The Uzbek squad participated in a total of 12 matches throughout the two-year World Cup cycle, including five matches at the World Cup, five at the Asian Cup, and two during the Asian Cup qualification phase. In contrast, teams like Brunei and Mongolia, who were eliminated during the U-17 Asian Cup qualifying phase, played only two matches in the entire cycle.
These changes are expected to have a profound impact on the development of young footballers globally, providing more frequent and expansive platforms for competition. As FIFA continues to prioritize youth development, the annual U-17 World Cups aim to nurture the next generation of football stars.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
