USA, Austria, Ireland advance in FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha

Nov 9, 2025

The U-17 World Cup at the Aspire Zone in Doha witnessed dramatic developments on Saturday as the United States, Austria, and Ireland secured spots in the knockout rounds, with Uganda celebrating a historic draw.

Burkina Faso launched the day’s action with a vital 2-1 win over the Czech Republic. Mohamed Zongo set the tone, smashing in a long-range opener in the 27th minute before providing the decisive corner for Loukman Tapsoba’s winning header in the 50th.

Czech Republic managed a swift reply through Vit Skrkon, who netted from Adam Novak’s pass in the 30th, but couldn’t secure an equaliser.

“We managed to do it with a lot of difficulty, but we now have full three points. The boys deserve congratulations,” said Burkina Faso’s coach Oscar Barro.

USA’s match against Tajikistan saw an early upset as Muhammad Nazriev finished smartly in the 3rd after exchanging passes with Mehrubon Odilzoda. The Americans, however, responded with a header from Nimfasha Berchimas in the 30th and then kept up intense pressure. Cavan Sullivan then sealed the win with a cool Panenka penalty in the 61st.

Paraguay navigated a tough encounter with Panama, prevailing 2-1 thanks to goals from Thiago Aranda (51st) and Pedro Villalba (54th), before Aldo Sanabria’s stoppage-time own goal (90+4) created late drama.

“Our goal is to stay in the World Cup, advance to the next round and try to play a good game against Ireland, who we know are very physical, very intelligent and organised,” said Paraguay coach Mariano Uglessich.

Meanwhile, Ireland fought from a goal down as Abubakir Shukurullaev volleyed Uzbekistan ahead in the 20th after capitalizing on a rebound. Grady McDonnell equalised with a towering header in the 33rd, and Michael Noonan completed the turnaround with a header of his own in the 75th.

“It’s an honour playing for this country, never mind at a World Cup. Now we’re into the knockout stages,” Noonan, named Player of the Match, reflected.

Uganda earned a landmark point against Chile. Bruno Torres opened the scoring for Chile in the third minute of extra time in the first half with a glancing header, but Uganda’s Derick Ssozi, on as a substitute, struck deep into added time (90+3) to salvage a draw.

“We gave them the happiness,” Uganda coach Brian Ssenyondo said.

Chile captain Torres expressed his frustration:

“Perhaps it wasn’t one of our best matches, but we put in a huge physical effort. All the effort we’d put in was wasted after conceding from set-pieces.”

France and Canada played out a goalless draw, leaving both teams well-placed to progress. Canada’s coach Mike Vitulano said, “It’s no surprise to me that we can compete with the best nations in the world. That’s where we want to be.”

France’s Ilan Jourdren highlighted the team’s defensive motto: “The goal isn’t to concede, or to concede as few as possible. We did that tonight. It was a tactical game where both teams studied each other carefully.”

Elsewhere, Austria reached the knockout phase for the first time by outclassing Mali 3-0, with Johannes Moser converting from the spot in the 36th, Hasan Deshishku scoring in the 61st, and Nicolas Jozepovic heading in at 90+5.

Hermann Stadler, Austria’s coach, credited the team effort: “I’m very proud of the team. We gave a great performance. The win is well deserved.”

Saudi Arabia kept their hopes alive, scripting a 3-2 victory over New Zealand. Abdulrahman Sufyani netted in the 2nd, followed by Sabri Dahal’s strike in the 55th. Matias Nunez equalized for New Zealand at 58 minutes, and Jack Perniskie’s backheel made it 2-2 in the 83rd, but Thari Saeed’s last-gasp goal at 90+1 sealed it for Saudi Arabia.

“To win at the end shows this team has great personality,” said Saudi coach Abdulwahab Alharbi.

Martin Bullock, New Zealand’s coach, took pride in his players’ effort despite the result: “The players should be really pleased with their performance, both as a team and as individuals.”