Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has confirmed the country is prepared to host the tournament, scheduled from November 3 to November 27. The statement was made at a press briefing held at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel in the Aspire Zone. This edition begins the first of five consecutive tournaments Qatar will host through 2029, welcoming teams and supporters from around the world.
Eng. Abdulaziz Fakhroo, Director of Transportation and Mobility at the Local Organizing Committee, said Qatar is ready to welcome the 48 participating youth national sides. He pointed to Qatar's experience from organising major events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022, as key to delivering an efficient and safe tournament and further building the country's sporting credentials.
Fakhroo confirmed the Aspire competition complex will host all fixtures and that detailed mobility plans are in place. Organisers have allocated parking for 3,900 vehicles, while the Doha Metro is designated as the primary means for fans to reach venues. Qatar's road network and public transport will support smooth travel between stadiums and city attractions during the competition.
Drawing on lessons from previous international events, Fakhroo noted the decision to stage every match within the Aspire Zone is intended to simplify logistics and boost the fan experience. A short opening ceremony will take place ahead of the tournament opener between Qatar and Italy on November 3 at Pitch No. 7 in Aspire.
Eng. Jassim Al Obaidli, Senior Director of Facilities Management, reiterated Qatar's preparedness to host the largest-ever U-17 tournament. He said holding all matches at a single complex presents operational challenges but also demonstrates the nation's organisational capabilities and commitment to FIFA standards.
Senior Director of Marketing Operations Ahmed Al Ahmad Al Meghessib introduced the 'Road to Qatar' ticketing application, designed to let supporters buy, manage and transfer tickets digitally. The platform includes accessible options for fans with disabilities and special parking permits. Purchasers may buy up to six tickets per day, with prices starting at QR 15 for finals and QR 20 for daily matches. Supporters can also select 'Support Your Team' tickets for Qatar's U-17 fixtures in the group stage.
The Fan Zone will offer family features, promotional activities, cultural displays and food areas to create a festival atmosphere and showcase Qatari hospitality. Al Meghessib added that the 'Road to Qatar' app will be used for upcoming events such as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 and the FIFA Club Confederations Cup 2025, providing a single platform for multiple tournaments.
Director of Local and Regional Media Mohammed Al Khanji said the media accreditation platform has already received about 1,000 journalist applications from around the world. Preparations are under way to set up a media centre and press conference facilities to support local and international coverage.
The tournament will feature 104 matches played across eight pitches inside the Aspire Zone, with the final scheduled for November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium, a key venue from the 2022 World Cup. Concentrating all games in one area will allow fans to attend multiple matches each day and create a continuous event atmosphere.
In the official draw, Qatar were placed in Group A with Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The host team opens its campaign against Italy on November 3 and will aim to improve on its best U-17 finish, a fourth place in 1991. The Local Organizing Committee expressed confidence the tournament will inspire young players across Qatar and beyond.
English
