FIFA announces a significant change to youth football development as changes hit the U-17 men and women’s competition.
The FIFA Council has officially announced the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup to 48 teams, marking a significant change in the youth football landscape. This expansion comes as part of FIFA’s ongoing commitment to developing youth football globally.
In addition to the increase in participating teams, the FIFA U-17 World Cup will now be held annually instead of every two years, highlighting FIFA’s dedication to promoting youth talent on a more frequent basis.
Furthermore, Qatar has been selected as the host country for the next five editions of the tournament, starting from 2025. This decision solidifies Qatar’s role as a key player in international football events.
Nigeria, with its remarkable success in the tournament, remains the most successful team in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, boasting an impressive five titles.
Alongside the men’s competition, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has also undergone expansion to 24 teams. Starting in 2025, this women’s tournament will be held annually and hosted by Morocco until 2029.
These changes come after a thorough evaluation process, including a global call for expressions of interest from potential host countries. The focus has been on utilizing existing football infrastructure to ensure tournament efficiency and sustainability, aligning with FIFA’s broader goals for the development of football at all levels
