DOHA: The quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 kick off on Friday and run until November 27, with the Aspire Zone set to host four decisive matchups that will determine the semifinalists. Eight teams from four continents remain in contention, each aiming to move one step closer to lifting the coveted trophy.
Europe leads the way with four representatives — Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal — while Africa fields two strong contenders in Morocco and Burkina Faso. Brazil carries South America’s hopes, and Japan stands as Asia’s lone quarterfinalist.
Morocco, the tournament’s highest-scoring team following their remarkable 16-0 triumph over New Caledonia, enter the quarterfinals as the sole Arab nation still in the competition. They face a daunting challenge against four-time champions Brazil at Mansour Muftah Stadium. Brazil advanced after a tense 4-3 penalty victory over France, while Morocco edged Mali 3-2 in their own dramatic round-of-16 clash.
Italy look to maintain their momentum when they take on Burkina Faso at Khalid Ballan Stadium. The Italians progressed with a 3-2 win against Uzbekistan, whereas Burkina Faso prevailed over Uganda in a 5-3 penalty shootout.
At Ibrahim Khalfan Stadium, Portugal — fresh off eliminating Mexico — will meet Switzerland, who earned a confident 3-1 victory over Ireland. The Swiss squad are eyeing their first semifinal appearance since their lone title win in 2009.
Japan, appearing in only their second quarterfinal in 11 tournament entries, face Austria in a high-stakes fixture at Khalid Salman Stadium. The Japanese side survived a penalty shootout against North Korea, while Austria stunned 2017 champions England with a commanding 4-0 victory.
Following the quarterfinals, teams will rest on November 22 and 23 before the semifinals resume. Two more rest days on November 25 and 26 will lead into the final and third-place play-off, both scheduled for November 27.
This year’s competition marks a historic milestone as the tournament expands to 48 teams for the first time and begins a five-edition hosting cycle in Qatar, running through 2029.
