World Cup - U17 2025/26

The FIFA U-17 World Cup is the premier global tournament for male national teams aged 17 and under. Founded in 1985 by FIFA, the event was originally named the FIFA U-16 World Championship. The competition serves as the highest level of play for this age group, sanctioned directly by FIFA. Participation is determined through continental qualification tournaments organized by the six regional confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, UEFA), with the host nation qualifying automatically. There is no promotion or relegation system, as it is a standalone invitational/qualifier-based tournament. The format has undergone significant changes. From 1985 to 2005, it featured 16 teams in four groups of four, with the top two advancing to quarter-finals. In 2007, it expanded to 24 teams (six groups of four), with the top two and four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. In 2025, the tournament expanded further to 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to a Round of 32 knockout stage. Since 2011, knockout matches tied after 90 minutes go directly to penalty shoot-outs, with no extra time. Starting in 2025, the tournament switched from a biennial to an annual schedule. Nigeria is the most successful nation with five titles (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, 2015). Brazil follows with four titles (1997, 1999, 2003, 2019). Ghana and Mexico have two each. The current reigning champion is Portugal, which won its first title in 2025 by defeating Austria 1–0 in the final held in Qatar. Spain holds the record for most final appearances (four) but has never won. Notable history includes the name change from U-16 to U-17 in 1991 when the age limit was raised, and to 'World Cup' in 2007. The 2017 final between England and Spain (5–2) is the highest-scoring final. The 2025 edition saw Morocco defeat New Caledonia 16–0, the largest margin in tournament history. The tournament is distinct from the FIFA U-20 World Cup (under-20s) and the Olympic Football Tournament (under-23s with three over-age players allowed). The official website is fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/u17worldcup.