DOHA : Qatar is preparing to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a second consecutive year, with 100 days remaining until the 2026 tournament kicks off on Nov. 19.
The tournament will run until Dec. 13 and feature 48 teams playing 104 matches, with up to eight games scheduled each day during the group stage.
Qatar is hosting the second of five consecutive editions of the youth tournament through 2029, following last year’s expanded 48-team competition.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup has provided a platform for several players who have gone on to establish themselves at the highest level. Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona, made his senior World Cup debut after impressing at last year’s tournament in Qatar.
All matches this year will be played at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, with the final scheduled for Khalifa International Stadium.
Portugal won last year’s tournament after beating Austria in the final, with 38,901 spectators attending the showpiece.
Organisers said the centralised venue would allow fans to attend multiple matches in a festival-like setting, with cultural and entertainment activities planned at the Fan Zone under the theme “TMRW’s GOAT”.
