"The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be a huge motivation for the next generation of players" - Qatar star Almoez Ali

After successfully hosting the senior men's World Cup in 2022, Qatar are all set to play host to another high-profile FIFA competition, the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The tournament will take place in the Competition Complex at Aspire Zone between November 3 and 27. The final will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium.

With just 100 days left for the tournament to start, Qatar national team star and Aspire Academy graduate Almoez Ali claimed that the youth World Cup will serve as a motivation and inspire the generation of footballers, as he said: "The FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place at Aspire Zone will be a huge motivation for this next generation of players. They will all be looking to perform their best on the pitch. I’m sure they know how important this experience will be for their future."

Ali also spoke highly of Aspire Academy, an institution he was once part of, as he added: "Being a part of the Aspire Academy as a young player and student in an environment that seamlessly merged academics with football really encouraged me to pursue the sport full time. We played against the best teams from Europe, Africa and South America. Competing against that type of pedigree was really important to us.

"For young players taking part in a competition with the magnitude of the World Cup, this will be a reminder of how hard work can enable you to play on the biggest stage, in the biggest tournaments. I am sure that this tournament will have a huge benefit on the players, and that they will cherish the experience and learn and grow from it."

Hosts Qatar have been drawn in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia and they will kick off their campaign on November 3 against the mighty Italians.