Qatar And Morocco To Host U-17 World Cups For Next Five Years

FIFA has announced that Qatar and Morocco will host the Under-17 World Cups from 2025 onwards, marking a major shift towards annual tournaments. Qatar is set to host the men's Under-17 World Cup editions for five consecutive years, from 2025 to 2029. Simultaneously, Morocco will welcome the women's Under-17 World Cup over the same period, catering to 24 teams. This move underscores the expanding influence of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in global soccer dynamics.

Qatar, having successfully hosted the 2022 men's World Cup, and Morocco, slated to co-host the 2030 edition alongside five other nations, are pivotal players in the soccer world. Their representation on the FIFA Council, alongside an official from Saudi Arabia—expected to host the 2034 men's World Cup—highlights their growing stature in the sport.

Image Courtesy: Fauzan Saari/Unsplash

FIFA's decision, aimed at utilising existing venues for reasons of efficiency and sustainability, comes without the mention of rival bids. This aligns with a broader strategy to ensure no age group misses out on international competition, while also accelerating the development of national teams globally. The 2024 women's Under-17 tournament will kick off in the Dominican Republic on October 16, following Indonesia's hosting of the men's edition last year.

The organisation's commitment to tackling racism in soccer was also emphasized, with proposals set to be discussed at a meeting of its 211 member federations in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 17. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted this as a milestone in FIFA's anti-racism efforts, indicating a move towards stricter worldwide measures.

Moreover, the selection process for the 2027 Women's World Cup hosting rights will take place in Bangkok, with Brazil, a joint bid from the United States and Mexico, and a European proposal from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany in contention. FIFA's pledge to publish voting results, a transparency measure initiated during the 2026 men's World Cup hosting contest, will continue.

This sequence of events reflects FIFA's commitment to enhancing the global soccer landscape, fostering inclusivity, and addressing critical issues within the sport while highlighting the MENA region's growing prominence in the soccer world.