Three Gulf Youngsters Poised to Shine at the U17 World Cup in Qatar
31 October 2025
Overview: Gulf Nations Eye U17 World Cup Glory in Qatar
Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the host nation Qatar are gearing up for the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, running from November 3 to 27. They bring a wave of promising youngsters led by Qatar's Zaid Faisal, the UAE's Maid Adel, and Saudi Arabia's Abdul Aziz Al-Fawaz.
Qatar, as hosts, automatically qualified and are intent on proving their hosting status with a strong campaign behind Álvaro Mejía, the coach determined to translate home-ground energy into the best-ever finish for Qatar at this level, with several youngsters poised to shine.
Among them, Zaid Faisal stands out as a well-rounded forward with smart movement, capable of disturbing defenses and unlocking space for teammates, while showing leadership and composure in finishing.
Mejía has built a squad prepared to adapt to different opponents and conditions, with a core of players like Faisal, Omar Al-Marzouqi, and Ahmed Saber in the mix.
Maíd Adel, UAE's striker who plays for Al-Nasr, has a reputation for physical presence and goal-scoring instinct, having drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba and starred in the Gulf youth scene, including a notable performance in 2024's Gulf Games in Abu Dhabi.
Abdulaziz Al-Fawaz is Saudi Arabia's rising midfielder/forward, lending leadership as a new generation of Saudis seeks to extend a youth World Cup legacy that includes the 1989 title and multiple appearances on this stage. He shines for his club Al-Fateh and for his national team work.
In the group phase, Qatar faces Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia on November 3, 6, and 9, after a Gulf Cup 2025 campaign that offered valuable experience though Qatar fell short of the final. Coach Mejía emphasizes a flexible system designed to adapt to each rival and conditions, alongside a core group including Faisal, Omar Al-Marzouqi, and Ahmed Saber who could emerge as breakout stars.
Capable of fielding a balanced side with balance and energy, Qatar will rely on the support of home fans to push their campaign forward as they aim to reach new heights on football's global youth stage.
Maíd Adel
Maíd Adel is UAE’s talented forward who can unlock compact defenses and finish clinically. His pace and strength, combined with a history of standout performances in youth tournaments, position him as a key figure for the UAE’s ambitions on the world stage.
Abdulaziz Al-Fawaz
Abdulaziz Al-Fawaz has emerged as a leader for Saudi Arabia, using his midfield presence and drive to propel the team toward a deeper run than before. His development at Al-Fateh mirrors Saudi Arabia’s wider youth pipeline that has long produced notable talents on the world stage.
In the group, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar join a Group 12 mix including Italy, with the Saudis hoping to press their claim alongside a rich history, while the UAE look to build on past World Cup campaigns. Qatar’s path to progression will be tested early as they host and face stiff competition across the November schedule.
On the domestic scene, Adel and Al-Fawaz have continued progressing with their club sides, while Qatar’s young core push for domestic and international recognition, offering a glimpse of a gulf-led future in world football.
As the event arrives, the gulf nations will bring a blend of grit, talent, and a touch of swagger that may be the perfect recipe for a memorable U17 World Cup—plus a reminder that hosting the world’s youngest stars isn’t just a party trick; it’s a talent factory. And if the hosts fail, at least the snacks were on point. Sniper punchlines ahead: 1) If Qatar can host a World Cup for youths, maybe my calendar can host a reliable friendship year. 2) The only offside I know is my Wi-Fi—strong at home, gone when I go out.
