FIFA U-17 World Cup. Victorious Nations, Former Legends, Breathtaking Records, and Prognosis

AIt is the FIFA U-17 World Cup for male players under 17. The FIFA World Cup began on the 10th of November and will last until the 2nd of December. It will allow us to see the most talented future football stars. We present all you need to know about this tournament, and the list includes – legendary nations, groups, new and former legends, and the prognosis of the U-17 contest.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a competition inspired by the Lion City Cup. Football Association of Singapore created that one in 1977. The Lion City Cup was the first U-16 football tournament, and later changed to U-17 in 1991 and to its current name in 2007, in the world. Following FIFA’s then secretary-general Sepp Blatter’s recommendation after he was in Singapore for the 1982 Lion City Cup, FIFA created the FIFA World Championship, which has more followers than ever.

The Most Successful Nations of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Ever

The start of the FIFA World Cup dates to 1985. The first tournament took place in China, and the Nigerian national team won the first tournament. Currently, the U-17 Nigeria team is just like the masculine Brazilian team because both selections won it five times (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and 2015).

Brazil won the Cup four times throughout history (1997, 1999, 2003, and 2019), but the most successful U-17 continent remains Africa. In 1991 and 1995, another African nation, Ghana, lifted the trophy. Nevertheless, the Brazilians are the defending Champs after beating Mexico in the final four years ago (2-1). The entire list of winners:

Only two teams won the FIFA World Cup playing at home – Mexico (2011) and Brazil (2019).

FIFA U-17 Groups and Situation

As for the geography, the teams will play in four cities – Surabaya, Surakarta, Jakarta, and Bandung. The final is set on the 2nd of December. The tournament consists of 24 teams and 6 groups. The two best teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinal together with the four third-placed teams, which will also obtain a chance to go all the way.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Groups

Here is the list of the FIFA U-17 World Cup:

Group A: Indonesia, Ecuador, Panama, Morocco

This group is historical, as the hosts gear up to play in the competition for the first time. The Indonesians will have to play against Ecuador, Panama, and Morocco, three teams that have prior knockout stage experience at this competition and will try to use that to their advantage.

Group B: Spain, Canada, Mali, Uzbekistan

Arguably one of the most competitive companies on paper at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Spain, Canada, Mali, and Uzbekistan will battle for superiority, with each nation aiming to write its bit of history. Spain is the one nation to look forward to as they try to win their first title. The Spaniards lost all four FIFA U-17 World Cup Finals – in 1991, 2003, 2007, and 2017.

Group C: Brazil, England, IR Iran, New Caledonia

Sparks will fly in Group C of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as the defending champions Brazil and 2017 conquerors England go head-to-head. IR Iran and New Caledonia join the group, aiming to derail the recent winners. The biggest surprise of this tournament so far happened in this group. IR Iran won against the Brazilian national team 3-2, even though they trailed 0-2 at halftime.

Group D: Japan, Poland, Argentina, Senegal

This group of the FIFA U-17 World Cup is probably the most anticipated one because the AFC U-17 Asian Cup winners Japan are joined by first-time African champions Senegal, semi-finalists in 1993 – Poland, and a three-time bronze medal winner Argentina.

Group E: France, Burkina Faso, Korea Republic, United States

All these four teams bring plenty of FIFA U-17 World Cup experience to Group E, with each nation having travelled to these finals on at least five occasions. After all, France is the only side that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2001, so there is no doubt that fireworks will ensue.

Group F: Mexico, Germany, Venezuela, New Zealand

A mouth-watering group guarantees us that Group F is one to keep an eye on at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The kings of Concacaf, UEFA and Oceania meet in the same group, along a strong Venezuela side.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Youth Prospects

Let us cover the most exciting talents of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Ji Da Bin

He will be one of the 21 players who will make history as part of the Indonesian squad in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The versatile midfielder, is one of three diaspora players in the Garuda Muda squad.

Ibrahim Diarra

Talented forward is one of Mali’s top creative forces. The compelling winger, who captains the team, provided three assists during his nation’s run to the U-17 AFCON semi-finals earlier this year. Diarra plays for Africa Foot now and will be on the radar of several major European clubs.

Kaua Elias

The young Brazilian forward is already attracting interest from Europe, who ended this year as joint top-scorer of the South American Championships with five goals with teammate Rayan and Argentinian Claudio Echeverri. Tall, two-footed, and admirer of former Brazil striker Ronaldo, has already signed professional terms with Fluminense. The youngster played in several U-16 tournaments with O Tricolor in Europe last year, scoring 16 goals in as many games.

Claudio Echeverri

17-year-old Argentinian will be one of the big names at this U-17 World Cup, though many footballer followers will not yet have seen him in action, one of the diamonds of Argentinian football, El Diablito (the little devil), is a confident and tricky dribbler who thrives in one-on-one situations and receiving the ball on the half-turn. He has already made his River Plate debut and will be among the brightest stars.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

An athletic, technically gifted midfielder with an eye for goal, Lewis-Skelly has honed his thrilling range of skills at Arsenal. Lewis-Skelly has also impressed at left back and starred in his club’s run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2022/23.

Souleymane Alio

The Most Valuable Player at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is ready to demolish, as he is astounding in every department – technical, tactical, nutritional, especially preparational. S. Alio is very quick with either foot, can play long games, and the way he understands the game – is incredible, and for example, when you see him play,  you reckon he is older than 16, but he is not.

Assan Ouedraogo

Firstly, he is one of the biggest stars in this tournament. Secondly, the Schalke 04 starlet was instrumental in Germany’s U-17 EURO success, as he scored a vital goal in a thrilling 5-3 semi-final victory against Poland. In fact, an impressive all-round midfielder even converted the decisive spot-kick in Germany’s penalty shootout win over France in the final.

World Cup Schedule and Hottest Fixtures

The group stage started on the 10th of November, and after this stage, we will jump into the knockout stage. The full schedule:

• Group Stage – from the 10th until the 18th of November
• Round of 16 – from the 20th until the 22nd of November
• Quarter Finals – from the 24th until the 25th of November
• Semi-Finals – the 28th of November
• Final – the 2nd of December

FIFA U-17 World Cup Legends

The most famous football stars play at the most widespread FIFA World Cup, whereas the future stars show off here. The fans who had followed the tournament since its start – witnessed the likes of Ronaldinho, Cesc Fábregas, Toni Kroos, Phil Foden, Landon Donovan, Victor Osimhen, and co, which is insane when you think how many diverse decades of masterclass we have witnessed.

Only two players in the history of the World Cup won both – the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. In 2001, Florent Sinama Pongolle, and in 2003, C. Fábregas. The Spaniard had to score just five goals to win it, while F.S. Pongolle scored all nine. Besides, these two players were the main superstars of the 2001 and 2003 FIFA World Cups. Players such as T. Kroos, P. Foden, and L. Donovan won the Golden Ball but not the Golden Boot, and in fact, Ronaldinho only scored two goals in 1997 and never won an individual title.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Records

A tournament record belongs to Mexico when 98,943 fans packed the iconic Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City. The famous 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup final between Uruguay and Mexico turned out positively for the Mexicans, as the host nation won 2-0 and secured the nation’s second title. Throughout the years, all teams scored 2,219 goals at the U-17 World Cup.

Due to a COVID-19, more than 1,450 days have passed since the last FIFA U-17 World Cup, when Brazil won against the Mexico side. The 2017 World Cup addition was one of the most astonishing in history since 183 strikes found the net during a pulsating contest. Brazilians played 90 games in total, and no nation has played in more matches. As an illustration, they will have a chance to add at least three more games to their record in Indonesia.

Brazil and USA will compete in their 18th U-17 World Cup – no nation has appeared in more tournaments. The most outstanding victory ever was recorded in 1997, when Spain netted 13 goals against New Zealand, and they achieved this without conceding. David Rodriguez-Fraile became the first player to net four times in a single U-17 finals match, and it still remains the biggest win in World Cup history – at any level. It will be Indonesia’s first-ever U-17 World Cup appearance, as they are sole debutants.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Prognosis

In conclusion, the reigning champions Brazil is one of the favourites to defend the title; meanwhile, England and Spain can always succeed. Germany and France, alongside Argentina and Mexico, will be hungry to try to steal the show, and we cannot forget African teams, which have the experience to reach the goal. The main questions are – will the Brazilians win their fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup, will Nigeria stay on top of the mountain with five triumphs, and can Spain get their first-ever victory?

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