Portugal were crowned FIFA U-17 World Cup champions for the first time after a tense 1-0 victory over Austria in Doha, capping a tournament that also saw Italy edge Brazil on penalties to claim third place.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, the European champions completed a remarkable 2025 double, adding the world title to their continental crown, while Austria departed proud after their maiden appearance in a World Cup final at any level.
Portugal began the final on the front foot and almost seized an early lead when Duarte Cunha dragged a shot just wide of the target. Austria, who had made rapid counter-attacks their hallmark throughout the tournament, soon reminded everyone why they were in the final as Hasan Deshishku burst clear on the break and forced a fine save from Romario Cunha.
The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 32nd minute. A slick Portuguese move carved open the Austrian defence, and Anisio Cabral arrived in the right place at the right time to apply the close-range finish.
The goal was Cabral’s seventh of the tournament, leaving him just one behind adidas Golden Boot winner Johannes Moser, who finished with eight.
Falling behind did little to diminish Austria’s determination. Having shown impressive resilience throughout the tournament, they emerged for the second half with renewed purpose.
Deshishku, always dangerous, saw a curling free-kick clawed away by Romario Cunha, who was in inspired form. The Portuguese goalkeeper then produced another superb intervention, athletically tipping an Ifeanyi Ndukwe header over the bar as Austria piled on the pressure.
The tensest moment for Portugal came five minutes from time when substitute Daniel Frauscher unleashed a shot that beat Cunha but struck the inside of the post and bounced away. Despite Austria’s spirited late push, the final whistle confirmed a historic first U-17 World Title for Portugal.
Coach Bino reflected on the journey with visible pride, saying he felt honoured to work with a group that had grown enormously over the campaign, especially after their triumph at the European Championship.
On the opposite bench, Austria coach Hermann Stadler acknowledged that his side were second best in the first half but praised their reaction after the break, insisting they could return home with their heads held high after a landmark run.
Earlier, at the play-off for third place, Italy and Brazil contested a goalless draw that turned into a goalkeeper’s duel once the match went to penalties.
The tone was set early when Vitor Fernandes received a yellow card for a late challenge on Antonio Arena after just six minutes, only to be sent off eight minutes later for another rash foul on Leonardo Bovio.
Reduced to ten men, Brazil still came close to taking the lead through Ruan Pablo, who dragged a shot wide, but Italy gradually capitalised on their numerical advantage. Valerio Maccaroni danced inside and curled narrowly past the post, and Federico Steffanoni also went close as the Azzurrini began to dominate.
Brazil mounted a resilient defensive effort after the interval, and even though they had snatched the opener just after the hour mark. Dell’s near-post header from a corner was brilliantly saved by Alessandro Longoni, only for Felipe Morais to nod in the rebound from an offside position, and the flag cut short their celebrations.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the bronze medal would be decided from the spot. Brazilian goalkeeper Joao Pedro continued his impressive tournament by saving Andrea Luongo’s attempt, but Longoni produced two consecutive stops to deny Luis Pacheco and Luis Eduardo. That opened the door for Alessio Baralla, who thumped home the winning kick to secure third place for Italy.
Italy coach Massimiliano Favo expressed delight that his team’s adventurous, possession-based style had been rewarded with a medal, describing it as fitting recognition in the first 48-team U-17 World Cup.
On the Brazilian side, coach Dudu Patetuci reflected that his team had played attractive football throughout the tournament, maintaining their identity of possession, dribbling, and emotional balance, and noted that losing two penalty shootouts despite having opportunities to win was simply part of football’s cruelty.
COLLATED RESULTS
Portugal bt Austria 1-0
Italy bt Brazil 0-0 (4-2 PSO)
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