Qatar to host FIFA U-17 World Cup for boys for the next five years
Qatar, which in 2022 became the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to host the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, added yet another feather to its organisational cap on Thursday.
FIFA officially awarded the double AFC Asian Cup champions the hosting rights for the next five editions of the boys’ Under-17 World Cup, from 2025 to 2029.
The girls’ tournament will be played in Morocco during the same time period, FIFA announced.
At today's FIFA Council meeting, it was confirmed that Qatar will host the next five editions of the expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup.
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) March 14, 2024
Likewise, Morocco will host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which has been expanded to 24 teams, annually from 2025-2029.
World football’s governing body had said in December that both youth tournaments would be held annually, starting next year, with the boys’ event expanding from 24 to 48 teams. The number of girls’ teams involved will also increase, from 16 to 24.
FIFA said the decision to choose a single host nation for multiple editions was centered on the ability to make ‘use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability.’
Qatar, after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, also stepped in to replace China as organisers of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA 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.
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