Doha [Qatar], November 10: With 10 days to go until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, the Qatar U-17 national team shares their excitement ahead of the prestigious competition. Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Panama, Greece and Egypt.
Team captain Mohsen Al Hajri looks forward to showcasing his skills on the world stage. The young forward, who plays his club football for Qatari side Al Rayyan SC, will lead the Young Maroons in their first match of the tournament, against Panama on Thursday, 19 November, 6:30pm at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone.
"All players dream to take part at the U-17 World Cup. This is a huge honour for me and I hope I represent my country in the best way possible. Playing against teams from around the world enables us to showcase our football but also share our culture and heritage."
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 matches will take place across eight pitches in the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, with the Final taking place on 13 December at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, 7pm. The state-of-the-art facility is home to Aspire Academy, which has produced a number of world-class athletes including Olympic and world champion high jumper Mutaz Barshim, as well as Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, the forwards at the centre of Qatar's back-to-back Asian Cup wins.
"I've been training at the Aspire Zone from a very young age. The sporting infrastructure and the stadiums here offer the best environment for all athletes to grow, not only football players," added Al Hajri.
All tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 matches are digital and are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches.
For Qatar U-17 national team and Al Duhail SC midfielder Hadi Khalil, the tournament offers players the opportunity to shine in front of a global audience: "This is the world's biggest U-17 football tournament. We will be competing with the best players and future stars from around the world. It is important to showcase our capabilities on the international stage. I hope to play for the first team some day and help Qatar achieve more success in the future."
The tournament's centralised format is particularly attractive for international scouts. Last year's edition welcomed 130 scouts from top clubs around the world. A number of players that featured in the tournament have gone on to play first team football in premier European leagues. Most notably Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim went on to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as well as Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
Qatar U-17 national team coach Alvaro Mejia recognises the significance of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the development of football talent in Qatar and the region: "Hosting this level of tournament in Qatar, where all the best U-17 teams from around the world will compete, provides young players with an unmatched experience."
Mejia, who is leading the Young Maroons for the second consecutive year, added: "I am certain that this tournament will once again be a launching pad for the next generation of football stars. I look forward to showcasing the immense passion for football and the tremendous talent we have here in Qatar."
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029. A total of 48 teams will compete across 104 matches from 19 November to 13 December 2026. Tickets can be purchased at www.roadtoqatar.qa.
Qatar is also set to host the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on 9, 12 and 16 December 2026.For tournament updates and ticket details, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on social media.
Qatar squad for FIFA U17 World Cup 2026: Mohammed Mirghani, Hossam Alabd, Bakri Mohammed, Iwokonli Samuel, Ahmed Adel, Ahmed Wael, Adham Adnan, Diaa Eldin Alarabi, Taha Nassir, Sami Darani, Shaher Wael, Abdullah Babiker, Ali Mohammed, Omar Ayman, Omar Mohammed, Matteo Esparza, Mohsen Al Hajri, Mohammed Fadhel, Cristiano Soria, Hadi Khalil and Youssef Islam.
Source: Qatar Tribune
