The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be the 21st edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, representing the annual men’s youth international football tournament contested by under-17 national teams. The tournament will be held in Qatar in November 2026.
This edition marks the second consecutive annual cycle and the second edition to be played in the 48-team format, expanded from the traditional biennial 24-team competition.
Portugal is the defending champion after winning their first U-17 World Cup title in 2025, defeating Austria 2-1 in the final in Qatar.
As part of FIFA’s restructuring, Qatar has been granted hosting rights for five consecutive editions from 2025 to 2029, making it the primary venue for youth world championships during this period.
The tournament was announced after FIFA changed the format from a biennial (every two years) 24-team tournament to an annual 48-team format, mirroring the new FIFA World Cup structure.
The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each, with 24 teams qualifying for the knockout stage (top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams).
2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup – Tournament Details
Table of Contents
Discover the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup complete guide featuring all 48 qualified teams, stadium information, group stage details, knockout format, how to watch live, and comprehensive coverage of the annual youth football tournament hosted by Qatar in November 2026.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Qatar |
| Edition | 21st edition |
| Dates | November 2026 |
| Total Teams | 48 teams (expanded from 24) (from 6 confederations) |
| Format | 12 groups of 4 teams each; 24 teams qualify for knockouts (top two from each group + eight best third-placed teams) |
| Total Matches | 104 matches |
| Defending Champions | Portugal |
| Previous Champions (2023) | Germany |
Confederation Allocation and Qualified Teams
The 48 spots are distributed across six FIFA confederations as follows:
UEFA (Europe): 11 teams
- Auto-qualified teams from the 2026 UEFA U-17 Euro qualification (TBD)
AFC (Asia): 9 teams (including hosts Qatar)
- Qatar (hosts)
Additional AFC teams qualify through the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification. The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia (May 7-24, 2026), with the top eight teams qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Confirmed AFC Qualified Teams for 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Final Tournament (16 teams):
Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, North Korea, Qatar, South Korea, Tajikistan, UAE, Uzbekistan, China, Yemen, Vietnam, India, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar
CAF (Africa): 10 teams
- Auto-qualified teams from 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualification (TBD)
CONCACAF (North America, Central America and Caribbean): 8 teams
- Auto-qualified teams from 2026 CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualification (TBD)
CONMEBOL (South America): 7 teams
- Auto-qualified teams from the 2026 South American U-17 Championship qualification (TBD)
OFC (Oceania): 3 teams
- New Zealand (qualified August 27, 2025)
- Fiji (qualified August 30, 2025)
- New Caledonia (qualified August 27, 2025)
2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup Stadiums in Qatar
The 2026 tournament will utilize venues in Qatar, likely featuring stadiums from the 2022 FIFA World Cup infrastructure. Key venues are expected to include:
- Khalifa International Stadium (Doha) – 45,000 capacity (Final venue)
- Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)
- Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
- Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
- Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan)
- Lusail Stadium (Lusail)
- Ras Abu Aboud Stadium (Doha)
- Al-Thumama Stadium (Doha)
Matches will primarily be held at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, similar to the 2025 tournament format, with the final at Khalifa International Stadium.
Key Information for 2026 Tournament
- Season Start: November 2026
- Season End: November 2026
- Total Regular Season Matches: 48 group-stage matches
- Knockout Matches: 56 matches (Round of 32 through Final)
- Total Tournament Matches: 104 matches
- Opening Match: TBD (Announced at later date)
- Final Date: TBD (Late November 2026)
Group Stage Format
The 48 teams will be organized into 12 groups of 4 teams each:
| Group | Teams (To be determined) |
|---|---|
| Group A | TBD |
| Group B | TBD |
| Group C | TBD |
| Group D | TBD |
| Group E | TBD |
| Group F | TBD |
| Group G | TBD |
| Group H | TBD |
| Group I | TBD |
| Group J | TBD |
| Group K | TBD |
| Group L | TBD |
Note: The official group draw for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be conducted at a later date by FIFA.
Knockout Stage Format
- Round of 32: 32 teams (Top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams)
- Round of 16: 16 teams
- Quarterfinals: 8 teams
- Semifinals: 4 teams
- Third-Place Match: To determine third and fourth place
- Final: To determine champions
2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup – How to Watch
Broadcasting Channels
Global Broadcast Rights:
- FIFA+ – Official streaming platform (available in most countries)
- OneFootball – Select regions
- Regional broadcasters TBD
Regional Coverage:
North America:
- USA: TBD (typically Fox, Telemundo, or Peacock)
- Canada: TBD
- Mexico: TBD
Europe:
- United Kingdom: TBD
- Germany: TBD
- France: TBD
- Spain: TBD
- Italy: TBD
Asia-Pacific:
- India: TBD
- Australia: TBD
- Middle East: beIN Sports (likely)
Africa:
- TBD (Various continental broadcasters)
How to Watch Live
- Official FIFA+ App/Website – Available worldwide
- Regional Sports Networks – Check your local broadcasters
- Streaming Services – Various platforms depending on your country
- Social Media – FIFA’s official social channels will provide updates
Key Points About the 2026 Tournament
Historic Annual Format: This marks the second year of FIFA’s annual U-17 World Cup cycle, replacing the biennial format that had been in place for decades.
Expanded Format: The 48-team format provides more nations with the opportunity to compete at the highest youth level, increasing global representation.
Qatar’s Five-Year Hosting Deal: Qatar will host the U-17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029, establishing consistency in venue and organisation.
Portugal as Defending Champions: Portugal’s triumph in 2025 under the new format represents a significant achievement, having never won a U-17 World Cup before.
Previous U-17 World Cup Tournament Results
2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup (Qatar) – Final Results:
| Position | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Champions | Portugal | Defeated Austria 2-1 |
| Runners-up | Austria | Lost to Portugal 2-1 |
| Third Place | Brazil | TBD |
| Fourth Place | Germany | TBD |
