The 20th edition of the FIFA U17 World Cup is currently underway in Qatar. As the first World Cup to test the 48-team format ahead of next summer's men's World Cup, it is unprecedented in scale. It is also the first of five consecutive U17 World Cups to be held in Qatar. Until the previous edition in 2023, U17 World Cups had followed a 24-team, biennial format.
The changes, meant to increase the frequency of youth competitions, were largely seen positively. However, there was controversy about Qatar getting the five-year package, with Denmark alleging that FIFA had “moved the goalposts” to void its bid. Still, it cannot be denied that Qatar as the home of the youth World Cup until 2029 makes practical sense given its infrastructure in the wake of the 2022 World Cup.
This is the third time the Arab world is hosting the U17 World Cup. The first instance was in 1997, when Egypt bore witness to Brazil winning its first title and the arrival of a certain Ronaldinho. Third-placed Spain had Xavi in its ranks. In 2013, Nigeria won its fourth crown in the UAE, with forward and future Premier League star Kelechi Iheanacho winning the golden ball.
Notably, the tournament's return to the Arab world did not bode well for Nigeria, the most successful team with five titles. The Africans did not qualify. That means Brazil, aiming to win a record-equalling fifth title, are seen as favourites. France, Portugal, and Mexico are other contenders.
Like every edition of the U17 World Cup, there is no shortage of talent to watch. Italian attacker Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund's youth academy, French attacker Djylian N'Guessan, who already plays for the senior team of Saint-Étienne, Argentine striker Thomas de Martis (senior team player for Lanús), Uzbek sensation Sadriddin Khasanov, and Ajax youth team's Moroccan maestro Abdellah Ouazane were most highly rated going into the competition. Belgium's Standard Liège senior team player Rene Mitongo and Portugal's Benfica youth team duo of defender José Neto and forward Anisio Cabral have impressed in the first week of matches.
So, what does all that mean for Qatar and to a lesser extent the Middle East? First, it gives youth from the region the chance to compete against those trained at a higher level, particularly in Europe and South America. Six Middle Eastern teams qualified thanks to Qatar qualifying automatically as the hosts: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, Jordan, and Iraq. This is the highest regional representation ever. This is set to continue for at least the next four editions given Qatar's automatic slot means one additional qualifying spot remains available for the region.
That kind of exposure for five consecutive years could create golden generations in at least the stronger football ecosystems like Saudi Arabia and Morocco, and also give a major boost to Qatar. Moreover, historically, teams that have impressed at the youth level, such as Nigeria and Mexico, have failed to replicate that performance at senior levels owing to insufficient development pathways. However, the new annual format would help ensure continuity in development and a steady pipeline of tested talent.
Away from football, Qatar envisions using sports for diplomacy and cultural exchange through tournaments. To that end, Qatar has also won the right to host the FIFA Arab Cup, the 2027 FIBA World Cup, and the 2030 Asian Games.
It is estimated that Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup generated revenue close to 1 per cent of its GDP and contributed 4.1 percent to 2022 GDP growth. It also led to economic spillover into the neighbourhood, with many spectators staying in nearby countries. The 2021 Al-Ula Agreement paved the way for greater cooperation in the region, which has resulted in joint training camps.
FIFA's mandate for gender inclusion, building on 2022's mixed-gender fan zones, has led to a significant jump in registrations for female youth football in Qatar. Health initiatives to increase adolescent activity have seen growing participation.
Now, hosting five consecutive U17 World Cups will amplify these gains. It will ensure continued utilisation of infrastructure. More importantly, a guarantee of 47 visiting teams ensures a predictable minimum annual tourism pipeline, providing floor revenue for the transport and hospitality sectors. It also creates a group of regional event managers and technical staff who gain invaluable experience, building long-term human capital. At the same time, labour reforms have a better chance of staying in force as they will be under constant scrutiny.
This prolonged exposure is highly likely to position Qatar as a regional centre for youth performance, sports technology and wellness. This would be a tangible gain in the attempt to diversify. More important will be the diplomacy wins, image makeover and steady, albeit unspectacular, revenue prospects.
