From Doha to Hall of Fame: Qatar Renames U17 World Cup Venues After Its Golden Generation
1 November 2025
Stadiums Named After Qatar's Golden Legends
The organizing committee for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Doha has announced the renaming of the eight venues hosting the tournament after Qatar's golden generation stars who left a lasting mark on the nation's football history. The decision highlights Qatar's rich football heritage and aims to inspire the next generation of stars by linking the arenas to legends who shaped the game here.
Below are the eight legends chosen to bear the names of the eight stadiums that will host matches of the 2025 World Cup for players under 17.
Stadium 1 – Mohammed Ghanim Stadium
Mohammed Ghanim is regarded as one of Qatar's most gifted players of the 1970s, named Best Player at the Gulf Cup in Kuwait in 1974. He played for Al-Ahli and captained his side to Emir Cup glory in 1972, leading his team to a 6-1 triumph over Al Rayyan at the historic Doha Stadium.
Stadium 2 – Ibrahim Khalfan Stadium
Ibrahim Khalfan was a craftsman on and off the pitch, who captained Qatar's youth teams and helped guide the country to second place at the 1981 World Youth Championship. A standout for Al-Arabi, he steered his club to three consecutive Emir Cup titles between 1977 and 1979.
Stadium 3 – Bader Bilal Stadium
Bader Bilal, a former forward, was part of the Qatar squad that shone at the 1981 World Youth Championship and contributed to Al-Sadd’s climb to club glory, including a key role in their 1989 Asian Club Championship campaign.
Stadium 4 – Khaled Salman Stadium
Khaled Salman is remembered as one of Qatar's modern greats; he starred in a famous hat-trick against Brazil during the 1981 World Youth Championship and represented Qatar at the 1984 Olympics. Salman also helped Al-Sadd win the 1989 AFC Champions League title.
Stadium 5 – Khaled Blan Stadium
Khaled Blan broke through in the 1970 Gulf Cup in Bahrain, earning the tournament’s Best Player award. He spent the bulk of his career with Qatar SC in the 1970s, lifting domestic league titles and becoming a beloved figure in Qatari football.
Stadium 6 – Mansour Muftah Stadium
pStadium 7 – Mahmoud Soofi Stadium
Mahmoud Soofi is recognized as Qatar's all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying matches, with 12 goals in 20 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Qatar’s Gulf Cup triumph in 1992 and starred for several Qatari clubs throughout his career.
Stadium 8 – Adel Malallah Stadium
Adel Malallah is remembered as a stalwart defender for Qatar, featuring in major tournaments across the 1980s, including Gulf Cup and Olympic campaigns. He also contributed to club success with solid showings for top clubs in Qatar.
The tournament itself will take place in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2025. A total of 104 matches will be played across these eight venues, with the final held at Khalifa International Stadium in the Aspire Zone.
Punchline 1: If naming stadiums after legends were a sport, Qatar just filed for a Hall of Fame induction—right there on the entrance gate.
Punchline 2: With eight legends on eight gates, even the seats will have stories to tell at halftime.
