FIFA Confirms Dates for U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026

Global football’s governing body FIFA, in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has officially announced that the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ will take place from 19 November to 13 December 2026.

This prestigious youth tournament returns to Qatar for the second edition in a historic five-year hosting cycle that runs through 2029. Following the groundbreaking 2025 tournament, which introduced an expanded 48-team format, the 2026 edition will continue to showcase the next generation of global football talent on an even larger stage.

Expanded Format and Key Dates:

A total of 48 national teams will compete for the coveted title, reflecting FIFA’s strategic push to broaden global participation at youth level. The final draw is scheduled for 21 May 2026 in Zurich, Switzerland, where teams will learn their group-stage opponents.

Aspire Zone to Host Matches:

All matches will once again be staged at the state-of-the-art facilities in Aspire Zone, Doha. The centralized venue model—successfully implemented in 2025—will transform the complex into a vibrant football hub, enhancing accessibility for fans, media, and scouts.The 2025 edition drew over 197,000 spectators across 104 matches, while more than 130 international scouts attended, benefiting from the compact tournament structure that allows multiple matches to be observed in a single location.

Platform for Rising Stars:

The tournament continues to serve as a crucial launchpad for emerging talents. The previous edition highlighted future stars such as Hamza Abdelkarim, Seydou Dembélé, Jesse Bisiwu, Nathan De Cat, and Samuele Inacio—names now firmly on the radar of top clubs worldwide.

Final at Iconic Khalifa International Stadium:

The tournament will culminate at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, which also hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The venue carries a rich legacy and will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, having first opened in 1976.

Notably, the stadium will also host the Amir Cup Final on 9 May 2026, further underlining its continued importance in Qatar’s sporting landscape.

About Author

Md Nahid Islam

Md. Nahid Islam is a dedicated Bangladeshi sports journalist and photographer currently based in Qatar. With a strong passion for international sports coverage, he has reported on some of the world’s most prestigious events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers. As a Host Country Press Journalist and Non-Rights Holder (NRH), Nahid Islam has gained firsthand experience in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, capturing stories both in writing and through his lens. Nahid Islam is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

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