Doha [Qatar], November 13: As the countdown for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 begins, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Competition Complex at Aspire Zone to take a close look at Qatar's readiness to host the prestigious youth tournament.
This year's edition is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through to 2029. The tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches, from 19 November to 13 December 2026.
The FIFA President visited tournament facilities and praised Qatar's world-class sporting infrastructure, highlighting its proven track record of organising major international sporting events.
"Everything is ready, or almost ready. But we are used to it in Qatar, we are used to it in Doha. We know that everyone is welcome and that everyone will have a great time.
"But when you come here and see this, and see what has been done for these under-17 boys, with national teams from all six continents coming here to play in this World Cup, it's really special. It's really special. It makes you feel that you've achieved even more," said Infantino while speaking to the media.
"Based on the experience we had last year, some major work has been done to prepare even better for this year and to be ready if more people come. I mean, last year we had an average of 10,000 people per day attending. Every country, every national team knows best what they want to do. They make their own decisions.
"What I can say is that everyone is welcome in Doha, and everyone is safe in Doha. It will be a great tournament. It will be a festival and a joyful event for all these boys participating in this under-17 tournament," he added.
Meanwhile, participating teams are arriving as they prepare to compete for the coveted title.
Teams from Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China, New Caledonia, Honduras, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Costa Rica and Panama have arrived so far, with the remaining teams expected to arrive over the coming days.
US withdraw
The US Soccer federation has pulled its youth national team out of the upcoming men's under-17 World Cup in Qatar over security concerns, broadcaster ESPN said on Wednesday evening according to dpa.
ESPN said it obtained a letter sent to the players and that it also received confirmation from US Soccer that the team won't participate in the tournament.
"We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup," the letter said, according to ESPN. "We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup."
"Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department's Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to
participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority."
Hosts Qatar will play their first match of the tournament, against Panama on Thursday, 19 November, 6:30pm. The Final will take place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on 13 December, 7pm.
Tickets can be purchased at www.roadtoqatar.qa. All tickets are digital and are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone. For official tournament updates and ticket details, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on social media.
Source: Qatar Tribune
