Doha: Several players from Qatar's U-17 national football team have expressed pride in representing their country at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, scheduled to take place from November 3 to 27.
According to Qatar News Agency, for the first time in the tournament's history, 48 national teams from across the globe will compete for the prestigious title. Matches will be held at Aspire Academy stadiums, with the final set to take place at Khalifa International Stadium.
The draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia. The Qatari team will kick off its campaign against Italy on November 3.
With 30 days remaining until the tournament begins, U-17 player Zaid Faisal emphasized the significance of the event for young athletes, noting the pride they feel in representing Qatar on the global stage. He added that all players are determined to rise to the challenge and deliver their best performance in this major international event, which offers a valuable platform for showcasing emerging talent in Qatar.
Competing against teams from around the world, he said, will help players gain essential experience. Faisal expressed confidence in his teammates' ability to achieve honorable results, stating that they are all hopeful to deliver performances that make pride.
Omar Al Marzouqi echoed this sentiment, saying that the team's initial goal is to advance beyond the group stage, which will require maximum effort and a strong competitive spirit. He noted that facing strong opponents presents an opportunity to gain experience and exposure, especially with the tournament expected to attract global attention.
Ahmed Saber described joining Qatar's U-17 squad as a dream come true. He said that participating in the youth World Cup is a chance to demonstrate the players' skills and capabilities against top international teams. He underscored that this experience is extremely important for refining his abilities, especially by playing against strong teams and talented players, which boosts their confidence, adding that they are fully prepared to give their best and make their team proud.