Infantino expects Qatar U-17 World Cup to unveil football’s next stars

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar can become the stage on which the next generation of international football talent announces itself.

The tournament begins in a week and will feature an expanded field of 48 teams from all six confederations. The increased scale of the competition is expected to draw scouts from across the football world, with clubs and national teams looking closely at the players who could become future stars.

Infantino said he expected the tournament to produce both high-quality football and memorable performances from the young players involved.

“The expectations are very high as always because the U-17 World Cup is a beautiful tournament, it’s the best youngsters from all over the world who come together to compete and to determine who really is the best,” he said.

The FIFA president also defended the decision to stage the competition in Qatar over a five-year run.

He pointed to the country’s experience in welcoming visitors and delivering major sporting events, highlighting its standards of safety, security and hospitality.

“We know about all the qualities of this country and how good they are at hosting people and ensuring safety and security, as well as in hospitality,” Infantino said.

“Last year was a big success because many people came to watch multiple matches, and luckily there is more than one pitch, making it a festival type of an event.”

Infantino said the decision to make the FIFA U-17 World Cup an annual event would provide regular opportunities for young players to gain experience on an international stage.

That opportunity applies to both male and female players, with the annual format intended to give every emerging footballer a chance to take part in the tournament.

The competition will also have a different feel this year because reigning champions Portugal are not involved. Infantino believes their absence, alongside the presence of several new entrants, adds another element of interest before the tournament begins.

With representatives from all six confederations and 48 teams competing, the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup will offer a broad showcase of youth football. The tournament is expected to be followed closely by scouts seeking to identify players capable of making an impact at the highest level in the future.