2025 U17 World Cup: Balanced battle ahead in competitive Group C

Senegal, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Costa Rica will contest Group C at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, forming one of the most evenly matched line-ups in the tournament and setting the stage for a compelling fight for qualification.

Senegal arrive as one of Africa’s most consistent performers at this level, securing their third straight U17 World Cup appearance through a quarter-final run at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite this regular presence, the Lions of Teranga have yet to progress beyond the round of 16 in the global competition.

With talent emerging from a strong academy system and a growing reputation in youth development, the squad will be determined to break that barrier and reach the latter stages for the first time.

Croatia return to the World Cup after a decade-long absence, motivated to re-establish themselves among the top youth programmes in Europe.

Their last appearance in 2015 produced a quarter-final finish, a benchmark the current squad will hope to at least match.

Qualification was far from straightforward for the young Blazers, but their resilience in Europe’s demanding qualifying rounds offers encouragement as they head into their fourth World Cup.

The United Arab Emirates carry the hopes of Asia in Group C.

Their fourth appearance at the tournament comes after reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup, showing signs of steady progress.

The Emirates’ best run on the world stage came in 1991, when they advanced to the round of 16.

Returning to a World Cup hosted in the Middle East, they will aim to fuel regional pride and surpass previous achievements.

Costa Rica enter the group as the most experienced side at this level, with ten U17 World Cup appearances behind them.

The Ticos have reached the quarter-finals on four occasions, yet the semi-finals have always remained just out of reach.

Known for producing technically gifted and fearless young talents, they arrive in Qatar with clear intent: to finally take that next step.

All four nations have realistic ambitions of advancing beyond the group, creating a competitive landscape with little margin for error.

None can be ruled out, and every fixture carries potential significance in the final standings.

Group C fixtures

Monday, 3 November 2025
• 12:30 GMT – Costa Rica vs United Arab Emirates
• 13:00 GMT – Senegal vs Croatia

Thursday, 6 November 2025
• 15:15 GMT – United Arab Emirates vs Croatia
• 15:45 GMT – Senegal vs Costa Rica

Sunday, 9 November 2025
• 14:45 GMT – United Arab Emirates vs Senegal
• 14:45 GMT – Croatia vs Costa Rica

Group C offers a blend of ambition, history, and rising potential — a section where every match may redefine who emerges as a contender on the global stage.