Latest news with #FIFAU-17WorldCupQatar2025
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Côte d'Ivoire braced for tough U-17 World Cup test, says Diabate
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Côte d'Ivoire U-17 head coach Bassiriki Diabate has admitted his side faces a daunting challenge at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after being drawn into what he described as a 'difficult group.' The Elephants will compete in Group F alongside Mexico, Korea Republic, and Switzerland — a trio of teams representing three different continents and styles of play. 'This draw placed us in a rather difficult group,' said Diabate following the draw in Doha on 25 May. 'We have Mexico from the Americas, Switzerland from Europe, and Korea Republic from Asia. It's quite a diverse group with some very strong teams, which will make this competition quite challenging for us.' The 2025 tournament will mark Côte d'Ivoire's return to the global U-17 stage, with the expanded 48-team format offering a bigger platform for African youth talent. But for Diabate and his technical team, the blend of football cultures in their group means preparation must be precise. 'Our players must be ready to face different football philosophies in a very short space of time,' Diabate added. 'It's a big learning opportunity, but also a massive test of tactical adaptability and mental strength.' The Elephants qualified for the global finals through a strong performance at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. They are now tasked with making their mark against some of the game's best youth sides in Qatar. Mexico are traditionally strong at youth level, having won the U-17 World Cup twice (2005, 2011), while Korea Republic bring technical discipline and intensity. Switzerland, known for producing highly organized and physically robust sides, round off the group. Despite the challenges ahead, Diabate remains optimistic that Côte d'Ivoire can rise to the occasion. 'Our objective is to compete, grow, and show that Ivorian football has a bright future,' he said. 'We are not just going to participate — we aim to compete at the highest level.' The Elephants will open their campaign in Group F when the tournament begins on 3 November in Qatar. All eyes will be on how this young Ivorian side navigates one of the most intriguing groups in the expanded global showpiece.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
'No small teams anymore' – Morocco boss wary of tricky U-17 World Cup group
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Morocco U-17 coach Nabil Baha has described his side's FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 group as 'balanced' but warned that there will be no easy matches when the tournament kicks off in November. The draw, held in Doha on 25 May, placed the North African champions in Group B alongside Japan, Portugal, and New Caledonia. The Atlas Cubs, who lifted the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, now turn their focus to the global stage where expectations have grown. 'We landed in a balanced group. Portugal is a very big football nation, and Japan plays very well,' said Baha. 'New Caledonia, we don't know much about, but nowadays, as they say, there are no small teams in the world.' The 2025 edition of the U-17 World Cup is the biggest in the competition's history, with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four. Morocco will kick off their campaign against Asian giants Japan before facing Oceania representatives New Caledonia, and closing their group play against European heavyweights Portugal. For Baha, the ambition is clear — go further than Morocco's quarter-final finish in the last edition held in Indonesia. 'Our goal will be to do better than we did in Indonesia in 2023,' he stated. 'We know it will be very tough, but we have the ability to go very far in this competition, given that we have very good players and won the U-17 Africa Cup.' The Moroccan coach praised his squad's potential and insisted that their continental success should serve as a foundation, not a finish line. 'We showed on our continent that we have a great generation, and now we'll have to work hard and prepare as best we can for this World Cup in order to aim to go as far as possible,' he added. With a blend of tactical discipline, individual talent, and continental pedigree, Morocco's U-17s enter Qatar 2025 with belief. As African champions, the Atlas Cubs will carry the hopes of the region — and their coach is determined to make it count.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Khumalo eyes U-17 World Cup knockout stage for South Africa
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 South Africa's U-17 national team coach Vela Khumalo has welcomed the challenge posed by Group A opponents at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, saying his team's goal is clear: progress from the group stage and make a deeper run in the tournament. The draw, which was held in Doha on 25 May, placed Amajimbos alongside hosts Qatar, European heavyweights Italy, and Bolivia in what promises to be a compelling group. Reacting to the draw, Khumalo reflected on the opportunities that the group presents for his team and the development of South African youth football. 'It's a very interesting group. It's very intriguing,' said Khumalo. 'It's good for our development of the youngsters. It's important for South Africa to get out of the group stage and go for the later stages. If we can do that, we will have played our part.' South Africa will open their campaign against the hosts Qatar in front of what is expected to be a packed home crowd before taking on Italy, one of Europe's traditional youth football powers. Their final group fixture will be against Bolivia, a side known for producing technically skilled players. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks a new chapter in the tournament's history, with 48 teams participating for the first time. Set to kick off on 3 November, the expanded format adds new complexity and excitement to the global showcase of youth talent. South Africa will be relying on key performers from their recent U-17 AFCON campaign, where they impressed with their high-intensity play and tactical discipline under Khumalo's guidance. While navigating Group A won't be easy, Khumalo's focus on mental readiness and competitive growth is evident. 'This group gives our players the chance to test themselves against top talent on the world stage,' he said. 'We're preparing not just to participate, but to compete and progress.' As anticipation builds across the continent, South Africa's young stars now know their path. With the backing of a passionate nation and the leadership of a determined coach, Amajimbos will hope to make their mark in Qatar.
Qatar Living
5 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Living
Qatar 2025 FIFA Volunteer Programme applications open
FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 have launched the registration process for the Qatar 2025 FIFA Volunteer Programme. Organisers — speaking to media and community representatives at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum — invited volunteers interested in supporting the two events in November and December to register their interest. Approximately 4,000 volunteers, across 30 roles, will be selected to support 20 functional areas including tournament and media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and more. LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim, said: 'Volunteers have been the heartbeat of all major tournaments we've organised over the last decade, playing a crucial role not only in event operations but also in sharing our rich culture and renowned hospitality with fans and guests. The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup will be no exception, and carry forward the volunteering legacy left by the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup. 'We look forward to working with Qatar's dynamic volunteering movement to deliver unique experiences and stand-out tournaments later this year. We've no doubt it'll once again prove one of our most successful delivery partners.' 'I hold a special connection to this movement. I started my career in mega-sporting events as a volunteer. It's inspiring to see how this spirit and tradition continues to grow, and I've no doubt the volunteers will make these tournaments truly extraordinary,' added Al Jassim. LOC's Executive Director of Administration Haya Al Noaimi, said: 'We're pleased to launch yet another opportunity for Qatar's volunteering community to get involved in our delivery of two important tournaments in the country's events calendar. Over the years, we've built a dynamic and exciting volunteer base that's contributed to the country's growing culture of volunteerism, which extends to all sectors and events and acts as the backbone to every success achieved.' FIFA and the LOC are looking for passionate and enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year's events in Qatar an unforgettable experience. Volunteers play a key role at FIFA tournaments and events, not only in terms of their specific functions but also as ambassadors for the country that they represent. Applicants must be residents of Qatar, at least 18 years of age, have a good command of English (knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic is a bonus) and be available for the duration of the tournament they are selected for, including pre-event training sessions. Prior volunteering experience is not required. In addition, applicants must be passionate about teamwork and have a friendly and proactive attitude. Registration will be open for two weeks, and selection will begin in June. In-person interviews will take place at the Volunteer Recruitment Centre, located at Lusail Stadium. Volunteers with prior experience in FIFA events held in Qatar will be exempt from the interview stage. A single application will cover both events, and candidates can indicate their preferred option. Roles will be assigned to a single event due to overlapping schedules, and selection will be based on availability, profile matching, and operational needs. Volunteers will be provided with the following benefits: * Training to prepare for their roles * An official volunteer uniform * Meals provided during their shifts * Free public transportation to and from event venues * Limited-edition gifts and memorabilia * Opportunities to build friendships and develop new skills * Unforgettable memories from a once-in-a-lifetime experience Those interested can register here. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Applications now open for Qatar 2025 FIFA Volunteer Programme
Tribune News Network Doha FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 on Tuesday launched the registration process for the Qatar 2025 FIFA Volunteer Programme. Speaking to media and community representatives at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, organisers invited volunteers interested in supporting the delivery of both events, taking place in November and December respectively, to register their interest. Approximately 4,000 volunteers across 30 roles will be selected to support 20 functional areas including tournament and media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and more. Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, said: 'Volunteers have been the heartbeat of all major tournaments we have organised over the last decade, playing a crucial role not only in event operations but also in sharing our rich culture and renowned hospitality with fans and guests. The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup will be no exception, and carry forward the volunteering legacy left by the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup. We look forward to working with Qatar's dynamic volunteering movement to deliver unique experiences and stand-out tournaments later this year, and have no doubt that it will once again prove one of our most successful delivery partners.' 'I hold a special connection to this movement,' added Al Jassim. 'I started my career in mega-sporting events as a volunteer. It is inspiring to see how this spirit and tradition continues to grow, and I have no doubt the volunteers will make these tournaments truly extraordinary.' Haya Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Administration of the LOC, said: 'We are pleased to launch yet another opportunity for Qatar's volunteering community to get involved in our delivery of two important tournaments in the country's events calendar. Over the years, we have built a dynamic and excited volunteer base that has contributed to the country's growing culture of volunteerism, which extends to all sectors and events and acts as the backbone to every success achieved.' FIFA and the LOC are looking for passionate and enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year's events in Qatar an unforgettable experience. Volunteers play a key role at FIFA tournaments and events, not only in terms of their specific functions but also as ambassadors for the country that they represent. Applicants must be residents of Qatar, at least 18 years of age, have a good command of English (knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic is a bonus) and be available for the duration of the tournament they are selected for, including pre-event training sessions. Prior volunteering experience is not required. In addition, applicants must be passionate about teamwork and have a friendly and proactive attitude. Registration will be open for two weeks, and selection will begin in June. In-person interviews will take place at the Volunteer Recruitment Centre, located at Lusail Stadium. Volunteers with prior experience in FIFA events held in Qatar will be exempt from the interview stage. A single application will cover both events, and candidates can indicate their preferred option. Roles will be assigned to a single event due to overlapping schedules, and selection will be based on availability, profile matching and operational needs. Volunteers will be provided with the following benefits: • Training to prepare for their roles • An official volunteer uniform • Meals provided during their shifts • Free public transportation to and from event venues • Limited-edition gifts and memorabilia • Opportunities to build friendships and develop new skills • Unforgettable memories from a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to be at the heart of the action? Register at
