UAE's Next Stars Set Sights on World Cup Glory: The U-17 Squad for Qatar 2025

UAE's Under-17 squad heading to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2025

The United Arab Emirates Football Association announced its under-17 national team roster for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled from November 3 to 27, 2025. The squad was selected by national coach Majed Salem, who faces the dual challenge of developing young talent while competing on football’s biggest stage for youth players.

The chosen players include: Mubarak Al-Breiki, Jassim Abdullah, Saeed Al-Rashidi as the goalkeepers, and outfield players such as Ahmed Ikrami, Saad Mubarak, Soheil Al-Noubi, Fahd Khalil, Salem Issam, Abdullah Rashid, Faisal Mohammed, Mohammed Salem, Mohammed Jamal, Ibrahim Yusuf, Abdullah Munad, Isa Al-Baloosh i, Jaden Adiba, Abdullah Hatim, Mayed Adel, Ali Al-Jasmi, Mohammed Al-Saadi, and Mahmoud Badr.

Speaking on the purpose of the trip, Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, stressed that participation in the World Cup is essential for this generation to gain exposure and sharpen their skills by facing varied football schools around the world.

The federation highlighted that preparation includes training camps and a schedule of warm-up matches aimed at building readiness. The ultimate goal is to provide the players with the best possible environment to grow into future stars of UAE football.

Al Nahyan added that the federation will support the “White of the Youth” with full backing—from coaching and administrative staff to facilities—reflecting the trust of the entire UAE football family in this generation’s potential.

He urged the players to give their all in this major tournament and to represent UAE with pride, noting that the World Cup appearance is the culmination of extensive preparation and collaboration across camps and friendlies.

The national federation’s leadership reiterated their commitment to shaping a strong development pathway, stating that today’s squad is tomorrow’s senior team, ready to lift UAE football onto regional, continental, and global stages in the future.

The UAE delegation also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with competing on the world stage, expressing gratitude for the support of the federation and the broader football community.

In a personal note, goalkeeper Jassim Al-Hamadi expressed excitement about playing in Qatar, reflecting on the landmark 2022 World Cup in the country and the chance to train in facilities used by legends like Messi and Ronaldo. He said he hopes to one day wear the senior national team jersey as well and contribute to the UAE’s football story at the highest level.

Another player, Abdulrahman Al-Awani, shared how football means everything to him and spoke about this tournament opening up new horizons for his family and country through improved performances.

Assistant coach and former UAE international Nawaf Mubarak praised Qatar’s world-class infrastructure and organization, noting that the country’s facilities and logistical capabilities left a strong impression and will benefit the UAE team as they compete against elite youth programs.

The team’s ambition is clear: achieve the best possible results and demonstrate that UAE can compete with the world’s top football academies. The 2025 World Cup in Qatar will be the largest ever for the U-17 category, with 48 participating teams, and the UAE will face Senegal, Croatia, and Costa Rica in Group C. The opener versus Costa Rica is scheduled for November 3 at Stadium No. 8 in Aspire Zone, the hub hosting all 104 matches of the tournament.

As Qatar hosts a packed schedule of global football events in late 2025, the UAE’s participation in the U-17 World Cup marks the opening act of a season that will also feature regional championships and other major youth competitions.

Punchline 1: If these kids can sprint as fast as their dreams, even the clock will be asking for a timeout.
Punchline 2: And if their passes are as sharp as their ambitions, the only thing sharper will be the scoreboard catching lightning fast from Doha to glory.