From Neighborhood Pitches to the World Stage: Qatar's U-17 Journey Reignites a Dream
25 October 2025
A Global Stage for Qatar's Youth
With the countdown to the FIFA U-17 World Cup underway, the world is turning to Qatar as it hosts the event for the first time, welcoming 48 teams to compete from November 3 to 27. Doha has proven it can stage major tournaments, and this youth world cup is a gateway for young talents to reach the world stage.
Qatar's under-17 squad heads to its eighth appearance, determined to surpass the historic fourth-place finish it earned in 1991 in Italy, led by captain Jassim Al-Tamimi. The tournament also underscores Qatar's ambition as a global sports hub, built on a track record of world-class infrastructure and flawless organization.
As preparations intensify, organizers confirm a packed schedule across the Aspire Zone, with 104 matches and a final set for November 27 at 7:00 pm at Khalifa International Stadium.
1991 Legacy and the Man Who Helped Put Qatar on the Map
Jassim Al-Tamimi, the captain of Qatar's 1991 youth team, recalls a defining moment for himself and the country. He describes the U-17 World Cup as an unforgettable platform for spotting talent and shining a light on the next generation.
Al-Tamimi says the World Cup experience remains etched in memory, and that Qatar's success hosting major events has built the infrastructure and organizational prowess that create a thriving environment for young players to sharpen their skills and boost the nation's standing on the global stage.
He notes that the 1991 achievement remains a luminous milestone in Qatar's football history, not just for the trophy, but for launching a generation of players who would later represent the senior national team.
From Neighborhood to Global Glory
Reflecting on his early days, Al-Tamimi describes playing in the neighborhood with friends and never imagining a chance to represent Qatar at a world tournament. Joining the national youth team to compete in 1991 felt like a dream turned real.
That edition placed Qatar in Group B with Australia, Congo, and Mexico. After a goalless draw with Congo and a narrow loss to Mexico, Al-Tamimi inspired a 76th-minute winner against Australia as Qatar advanced to the knockout rounds.
The team went on to defeat the United States in the quarterfinals, before a penalty shootout exit to Ghana, who eventually lifted the title. The fourth place remains a historic, unmatched achievement for Qatar in world football.
Al-Tamimi later went on to play for the senior national team between 1996 and 2004, amassing well over 100 caps and expressing pride in helping put Qatar on the world map: "We were the first youth team from Qatar to reach this level, and the memory still fills us with joy and national pride. It marked the true start of my career."
Looking Ahead to Qatar 2025 and Beyond
The current Qatar U-17 squad enters Group A with Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia, opening against Italy on November 3 at 6:45 pm. All matches are scheduled across the competition complex in Aspire Zone, with eight matches each day across the group and knockout stages, culminating in the final on November 27.
Doha's football calendar also includes other major events in the near term, reinforcing the city as a global sports capital through continued organizational excellence and a commitment to delivering memorable experiences for players and fans alike.
Doha's enduring role as a hub of football excellence is clear: a place where dreams begin on a local pitch and grow to be celebrated on the world stage. The 2025 edition promises a celebration of youth, ambition, and the power of sport to inspire generations.
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