FIFA has confirmed the dates for the next U-17 World Cup in Qatar, setting the stage for another major international football event in the Gulf state. The tournament will return under a new expanded format, with 48 teams taking part for the first time.

The competition is scheduled to run from 3 to 27 November 2025, with Qatar hosting a packed month of youth football. FIFA said the event will be staged in Doha, which has already hosted major tournaments including the 2022 World Cup.

It will be the first time the U-17 World Cup is played with 48 teams, doubling the number of sides from previous editions. FIFA said the expanded format reflects the governing body’s wider push to increase global participation in its tournaments.

The move gives Qatar another prominent place on football’s international calendar. The country has spent the past decade building a reputation as a regular host of high-profile sporting events, with football central to that strategy.

The U-17 tournament is often seen as a showcase for emerging talent. Many senior international players first came to wider attention at youth World Cups, making the competition a closely watched event for scouts, coaches and fans.

For Qatar, the tournament also reinforces its position as a repeat host for FIFA events. The country previously staged the 2022 men’s World Cup and has continued to invest in stadiums, transport and sports infrastructure designed to support global competitions.

FIFA has not yet released the full match schedule or confirmed the venues for each fixture. Those details are expected later as preparations continue for the tournament, which will bring teams, officials and supporters to Qatar from across the world.

The confirmation adds another entry to FIFA’s 2025 calendar and extends the organisation’s effort to broaden the reach of its youth competitions. With 48 teams involved, the Qatar edition is likely to be the largest U-17 World Cup yet.