The competition will return to Qatar in November 2026 following the successful debut of the new enlarged tournament format last year.

Expanded 48-Team Tournament Returns To Qatar

The 2026 edition will once again feature 48 national teams competing in a festival-style format designed to showcase the world’s top youth football talent.

FIFA said the previous expanded edition attracted large crowds and delivered highly competitive matches across the tournament.

Several High-Profile Group Matches Confirmed

The draw produced several standout group-stage fixtures, including Spain facing Morocco in Group H and France taking on Uruguay in Group D.

Japan were also drawn against South American U-17 champions Colombia in Group L.

Hosts Qatar will face Panama, Egypt and Greece in Group A.

Full FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 Draw

Group A: Qatar, Panama, Egypt, Greece

Group B: Korea Republic, CAF 1, New Caledonia, Ecuador

Group C: Argentina, Australia, CAF 2, Denmark

Group D: France, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group E: Italy, Jamaica, Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan

Group F: Senegal, Croatia, Cuba, Tajikistan

Group G: Mali, New Zealand, Belgium, Vietnam

Group H: Spain, China PR, Fiji, Morocco

Group I: Brazil, Republic of Ireland, Tanzania, Costa Rica

Group J: USA, Montenegro, Chile, Algeria

Group K: Mexico, Romania, Cameroon, Venezuela

Group L: Japan, Colombia, Serbia, Honduras

Final African Qualification Spots Still Open

Two qualification positions remain undecided and will be confirmed through CAF play-offs.

The winners of Ethiopia vs Mozambique and Uganda vs Ghana will complete the final tournament lineup.

Qatar Continues Major FIFA Hosting Role

Qatar continues strengthening its role as a major international football host following the FIFA World Cup 2022 and multiple youth tournaments.

The U-17 World Cup forms part of FIFA’s broader strategy to expand youth football development and global participation.