U17 World Cup: Morocco drawn against Spain, China, and Fiji in Group H

Morocco’s U-17 national team has discovered its opponents for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup after being drawn into Group H alongside Spain, China, and Fiji.

The draw, conducted in Zurich on Wednesday, officially mapped out the path for the young Atlas Lions ahead of the tournament, which will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.

Morocco Continue Strong Rise in Youth Football

Morocco secured qualification for the competition through the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations pathway, continuing the country’s impressive progress in youth football development.

The Atlas Lions joined fellow African representatives Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Tanzania, Algeria, and Cameroon among the nations qualified for the tournament.

Their qualification further highlights Morocco’s growing investment in youth football structures and talent development in recent years.

Spain Present Biggest Challenge in Group H

Group H is expected to provide a difficult but exciting challenge for Morocco’s young side.

Spain enter the tournament with a reputation as one of the strongest youth football nations in the world and are widely considered among the favourites for the title.

China bring valuable international youth tournament experience, while Fiji will look to continue its rise as one of Oceania’s emerging football nations.

Despite the challenge posed by Spain, Morocco are expected to believe they have a strong chance of competing for qualification from the group.

Expanded Tournament Format Returns

The 2026 edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will once again feature FIFA’s expanded 48-team structure.

The tournament format includes 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group automatically progressing to the knockout stage alongside the eight best third-placed teams.

The expanded system offers more countries an opportunity to advance beyond the group stage and increases the overall competitiveness of the tournament.

Atlas Cubs Turn Attention to Preparations

Following the draw, Morocco will now focus fully on preparations for the competition in Qatar.

Expectations surrounding the country’s youth national teams continue to rise as Morocco seeks to build on recent international success and further establish itself as one of Africa’s leading football nations at youth level.