The next generation of global superstars is heading to Qatar! From the shock absence of defending champions Portugal to the return of heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup groups, dates, and venues.
Chelsea’s ownership group has reportedly beaten Manchester United and Manchester City in the chase for Mohamed Zongo, one of Africa’s most exciting young footballers, with the Burkina Faso midfielder set to join Strasbourg in 2027 when he turns 18. The deal, agreed with Sporting Football des Cascades Tenakourou, marks the latest step in Chelsea’s long-term recruitment project, which has increasingly focused on identifying global talent years before they reach senior breakout status.
Portugal secured their first-ever Under-17 World Cup title courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Austria in the final in Qatar on Thursday and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest Portuguese player of all time was first in line to offer his congratulations with a simple but very effective message to his huge audience of 668 million followers on Instagram.
England have been eliminated from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in spectacular fashion, losing 4-0 against Austria in the round of 16. Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez's red card shortly after the Young Lions fell behind early in the second half proved to be a crucial moment, with Austria eventually going on to run up the score-line in the latter stages of the knockout tie.
Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool and England legend Emile, has overtaken Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho with his goals at the Under-17 World Cup. England secured their spot in the last 32 in Qatar as they finished second to Venezuela in Group E. The Young Lions then eased into the last 16 of the tournament as they got the better of South Korea on Saturday.
Manchester City starlet Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool striker Emile, helped to give England lift-off in their U17 World Cup campaign as he inspired an 8-1 victory over Haiti. Having lost their opening game of the tournament in Qatar, the Young Lions knew that three points were imperative in their second Group E fixture. Neil Ryan's side ultimately eased over that line.
Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert are among the headliners on a 21-player squad that will represent the United States in the upcoming U17 World Cup. Gonzalo Segares announced his squad on Thursday, and it includes plenty of firepower, headlined by the Philadelphia Union midfielder and the rising Borussia Dortmund star. The roster features players from 15 clubs.
Two decades have passed since Mexico shocked the world in Peru with a 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 2005 U17 World Cup final. For many fans, that night at the Estadio Nacional remains one of the defining moments in Mexican football history. The tournament launched the careers of players such as Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Héctor Moreno.
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