Morocco faces USA and Egypt draws Switzerland in U-17 World Cup knockouts

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar has reached the round of 32, and the tournament’s landscape is already full of surprises.

For the first time, 48 teams are competing, all aiming for glory on Qatari soil in November. The group stage saw 12 groups of four, with the top two and the best eight third-placed teams advancing.

Three Arab teams, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, have made it to the knockout stage, while hosts Qatar and teams from Saudi Arabia and the UAE bowed out early. Morocco advanced thanks to their goal difference, finishing third in Group B, and will take on the group winner USA. Egypt progressed by finishing third in Group E and is set to face Switzerland, top of Group G. Tunisia will battle Austria after securing third place in their group.

The round of 32 will be played on Friday and Saturday, with FIFA announcing precise match timings soon. With a new system for pairing teams, the goal is to keep competition fair and exciting, ensuring variety and fresh matchups as the tournament heats up