FIFA U-17 World Cups: Qatar and Morocco Win Hosting Rights for Five Years

 FIFA U-17 World Cups: Qatar and Morocco Win Hosting Rights for Five Years

  

On March 14, FIFA declared a new chapter for its Under-17 World Cups, putting Qatar and Morocco in the spotlight. Starting in 2025, the boys’ tournament will happen annually in Qatar for five years. Similarly, the girls’ U-17 World Cup will now take place yearly, with Morocco hosting the expanded event from 2025 to 2029. These decisions follow FIFA's trend of expanding major tournaments, with both U-17 World Cups accommodating more teams, akin to the 48-team format for the upcoming Men’s World Cup in 2026 and the 32-team Women’s World Cup held in 2023.

FIFA has justified its decision to opt for a single-host approach for the U-17 tournaments, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability. By utilizing existing infrastructure in Qatar and Morocco, FIFA aims to streamline operations and minimize environmental impact.

Both Qatar and Morocco have proven themselves as capable hosts of major football tournaments. Qatar successfully organized the 2022 Men’s World Cup and stepped in as the host for the 2023 Asian Cup. Similarly, Morocco has co-hosted the Club World Cup multiple times and is gearing up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, both countries are slated to co-host the 2030 Men’s World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

This decision represents a significant change for the U-17 World Cups, providing young players with more opportunities to showcase their talent on the global stage. It also solidifies Qatar and Morocco's positions as key players in international football hosting, further enhancing their reputation within the football community.