Qatar are making their eighth appearance in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Doha: Hosts Qatar face an uphill challenge as they meet Italy in their Group A opener at the FIFA U-17 World Cup today at the Mansour Muftah pitch, Competition Complex, Aspire Zone.
This year marks Qatar’s return to the tournament, with their last appearance coming in 2005. It is the nation’s eighth overall appearance in the global showcase, with five campaigns taking place in the first six editions.
Qatar’s best finish remains the 1991 edition, where they placed fourth after losing on penalties to eventual champions Ghana in the semi-finals and again to Argentina in the third-place match.
Under Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia, the young Al Annabi are aiming to make a strong comeback. The team underwent rigorous preparation, including an overseas training camp, participation in several tournaments and multiple friendly matches.
They reached the semi-finals of last month’s U-17 Gulf Cup, their final competitive tune-up before the World Cup.
Italy U-17 players and officials during a training session.
Mejia acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying the team is excited and focused on progressing as far as possible, match by match against tough opponents like Italy.
“We are excited and ready for the U-17 World Cup. We know Italy will be a strong opponent and this is a huge test for us. Our target is to advance as far as possible, taking each match step by step.”
Qatar will face South Africa on November 6 before concluding their group stage campaign against Bolivia three days later.
Meanwhile, Italy are also making their return, having missed the 2023 edition won by Germany in Indonesia. The Azzurri are group favourites in what marks their ninth appearance in the tournament. Their best result came in 1987, when it was still a U-16 event, finishing fourth. Since then, Italy have reached the quarter-finals twice, most recently in 2019.
Italy coach Massimiliano Favo acknowledged the challenge of their group and the threat posed by hosts Qatar.
“Competing at a World Cup requires every team to be well-prepared. Qatar have the advantage of training together daily, playing on home soil, and being fully acclimatised. Facing them in our opener will be a tough test, and we also know what to expect from Bolivia and South Africa. I’m expecting physically strong, technically sound, and disciplined opponents, as youth football has truly become global.”
The match kicks off at 6:45 pm local time.
