Morocco’s U17 national football team has been placed in Group B for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, where they will face Japan, Portugal, and New Caledonia in the group stage of the competition.
The draw, held on Sunday in Doha, Qatar, determined the fixtures for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from 3 to 27 November.
Morocco, who head into the competition as reigning African champions, will look to build on their recent continental success with a strong showing on the global stage.
The group promises to be a challenging one, featuring opponents from three different confederations.
Portugal, known for their youth development pedigree, and Japan, a regular presence in FIFA youth tournaments, both bring formidable records to the group.
New Caledonia, representing Oceania, will add an unpredictable element to the mix.
The 2025 edition of the tournament will be hosted entirely in Qatar, with all matches taking place across eight pitches situated within the Aspire Academy complex.
The championship decider will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium, one of Qatar’s premier sporting venues.
This year’s U17 World Cup marks a significant expansion, with 48 teams competing—reflecting FIFA’s ongoing commitment to globalising youth football and providing a larger platform for emerging talents.
For Morocco, the tournament represents an opportunity not only to test themselves against the world’s best but also to showcase the growing strength of North African youth football.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation will now focus on final preparations for the tournament, ensuring that the squad is in optimal condition ahead of their opening fixture.
With high expectations following their triumph in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, the young Atlas Lions will aim to make a deep run in Qatar and add another chapter to the country’s rising football narrative.
As anticipation builds, Morocco’s group-stage campaign will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with the clash against Portugal particularly poised to be one of the standout fixtures in the early stages of the tournament.
