Morocco ready to face Japan in U17 World Cup opener in Doha

Morocco’s U17 national team will begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on Monday afternoon at Stadium 5 of the Aspire Zone in Doha.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM GMT, with live coverage on Arryadia TNT and beIN Sports Xtra 1 HD.

Head coach Nabil Baha expressed confidence in his side’s readiness ahead of the tournament. He said Morocco’s recent success across several age categories has elevated the nation’s football reputation worldwide.

Baha believes those achievements have made Morocco “a great nation of football.”

The Atlas Cubs spent the past week preparing in the United Arab Emirates, where they played two warm-up matches against Venezuela and Switzerland.

Baha explained that the early arrival helped the team adapt to the conditions before the competition began.

He acknowledged the challenge Japan poses but remained optimistic. “It will be a difficult match, but winning the Africa Cup at home gave us valuable experience,” Baha said.

“We have prepared for this moment for a long time. Now, we must show it on the field.”

The coach also mentioned the influence of Morocco’s U20 World Cup triumph, calling it a positive source of pressure.

He said his side would take each game as it comes while staying composed and focused on progression.

Team spirit appears high within the camp. Forward Eliess Saidi confirmed that the players are fully prepared and focused on securing a winning start.

“Our main goal is to win this first match,” he said.

Midfielder Hamza Bouhadi echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of beginning the tournament strongly.

“The first match sets the tone for the competition,” he stated. “We trained hard to deliver a positive result.”

The 2025 U17 World Cup, hosted in Qatar from November 3 to 27, features 48 teams divided into 12 groups.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the round of 32.

Morocco aim to build on their recent continental triumph and carry their momentum into the global stage.

Fans at home and abroad will watch closely as the young Atlas Cubs test themselves against a disciplined Japanese side.