Qatar to Host 48-Team FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Nov‑Dec 2026

*TL;DR: Qatar will host a 48‑team FIFA U‑17 World Cup from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13, 2026; the tournament draw occurs May 21 in Zurich.

Context Qatar, the 2022 senior World Cup host, returns to the global stage with the youth championship. The nation has committed to staging the U‑17 event annually through 2029, positioning itself as a hub for emerging talent.

Key Facts - The 2026 edition runs 25 days, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13, and features 48 national teams. - The draw that determines group composition will be held on May 21 in Zurich, Switzerland. - In 2025, the tournament attracted more than 197,460 spectators across 104 matches in 15 days, demonstrating strong local demand. - All matches will be played in Doha’s Aspire Zone, including the Khalifa International Stadium, which hosted the 2025 final where Portugal claimed the title.

What It Means The expanded 48‑team format aligns the U‑17 World Cup with the senior competition’s structure, offering more nations exposure to high‑level competition. Qatar’s proven ability to draw nearly 200,000 fans suggests the 2026 event could generate comparable attendance and revenue, reinforcing the country’s sports‑tourism strategy.

Hosting consecutive youth tournaments also provides Qatar with a testing ground for stadium operations, security protocols, and fan services ahead of future international events. The May draw in Zurich will set the competitive landscape, and analysts will watch which emerging football powers secure favorable groups.

Looking ahead, stakeholders will monitor ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and the performance of debutant nations as the tournament approaches, all indicators of the event’s commercial and developmental impact.