FIFA have awarded Qatar and Morocco the rights to host the FIFA U-17 men’s and women’s World Cup, respectively, for the next five years from 2025.FIFA said the Men’s and Women’s Under-17 World Cups will now be held annually, starting from 2025. Both tournaments have been expanded as 48 teams will participate in the men’s edition whereas, there will be 24 teams vying for glory in the women’s category.This move marks a departure from the previous biennial schedule as it aims to provide greater opportunities for youth players to showcase their skills on the global stage by ensuring that maximum players get to perform on the biggest stage at the formative stage of their career.FIFA said the decision to choose a single host nation for multiple editions centred on the ability to make “use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability”.Qatar was the venue for the 2022 men’s World Cup and hosted this year’s Asian Cup after stepping in to replace the original host, China.Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with three matches to be played in South America to celebrate its centenary.Qatar and Morocco have both held the Club World Cup on multiple occasions. Morocco is also scheduled to stage the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.The expansion of the Under-17 World Cup reflects a general FIFA trend, with the men’s 2026 World Cup to feature 48 teams for the first time. Last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand saw the field grow from 24 to 32 countries.
November 22, 2024
