FIFA has unveiled the groups and match-ups for the 2026 editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup (Qatar 2026) and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Morocco 2026) following the official draws held at FIFA headquarters, in Zürich, Switzerland.
The draws marked the opening of this year’s World Football Week and signalled another major expansion of FIFA’s youth football competitions, with the men’s tournament increasing to 48 teams and the women’s competition expanding to 24 nations.
The expanded format has already opened the door for new participants, with 10 countries qualifying for the tournaments for the first time across both competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the expansion reflects FIFA’s broader commitment to creating more opportunities for young footballers around the world.
“We are convinced there is talent in every country around the world,” Infantino said. “It just needs an opportunity to shine.”
According to FIFA, the annual staging of the women’s tournament will further accelerate the growth of women’s football globally by increasing access and competitive opportunities for young players.
“Women’s football has so much potential still to be developed, and though we have already come a long way, FIFA is determined to keep the women’s game growing,” Infantino added.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 will be staged between October 17 and November 7, while the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is scheduled to hold from November 19 to December 13.
FIFA said the success of last year’s expanded men’s U-17 World Cup influenced the decision to continue broadening participation, noting that several debutant nations reached the knockout stages during the previous edition.
“There were some incredible matches and moments in the first 48-team tournament,” Infantino said. “The quality of the football on the pitch and the superb atmosphere, and flawless organisation off it, validated FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament and give more teams than ever the opportunity to play on the global stage.”
The tournaments are expected to feature some of the world’s most promising young footballers, while also giving emerging football nations greater international exposure.
Beyond competition, FIFA linked the draws to the wider objectives of World Football Week, which this year supports the global “Be Active” campaign organised alongside the World Health Organization.
The initiative encourages children worldwide to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles through sport and recreation.
FIFA said football stakeholders globally have an important role to play in inspiring participation among children and young people, adding that every football session and grassroots activity contributes to building lifelong healthy habits.
The 2026 tournaments are also expected to further strengthen the profile of youth football in both host nations, with Qatar continuing its post-World Cup sports infrastructure strategy and Morocco expanding its growing role as a major destination for international football events.
