Nine teams arrive in Doha for 2026 U-17 World Cup as Saudi Arabia join Group D

With the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar approaching, Doha has begun welcoming participating teams for what will be a landmark edition featuring 48 nations competing in 104 matches from November 19 to December 13.

So far, teams from Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China, New Caledonia, Honduras, New Zealand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Costa Rica have arrived in the Qatari capital. The remaining teams are expected in the coming days as preparations continue for the tournament.

This edition is particularly significant as it is the second in a series of five consecutive tournaments that Qatar will host through 2029, following last year’s expansion to 48 teams.

Seven nations are making their tournament debut: Greece, Montenegro, Mozambique, Romania, Serbia, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, China returns to the competition after a 21-year absence.

Aspire Zone to host all tournament matches

All matches of the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be played at the Aspire Zone competition complex, which is set to host up to eight games per day during the group stage and round of 32.

The decision to use a single venue builds on the successful experience of the 2025 edition, making it easier for scouts and clubs from around the world to observe emerging talent in one location.

Saudi Arabia’s group at the U-17 World Cup

Saudi Arabia’s U-17 national team will compete in Group D alongside France, Uruguay, and Haiti, setting the stage for tough matches as they aim to advance to the knockout rounds.

The Saudi squad features 21 players: Abdullah Almas, Musaad Alshammari, Abdullah Alnakhli, Jawad Alhashem, Nawaf Alhowairi, Hamad Alshammari, Ahmed Ishaq, Naif Alqahtani, Marwan Alyami, Ammar Maimeni, Zaid Albouri, Tamim Siraj, Sultan bin Mehri, Abdulrahman Almami, Abdullah Albatli, Shaman Alqahtani, Abdullah Aldosari, Yahya Saeed, Saif Alqarah, Fares Bushqara, and Hamed Adam.

All eyes are now on Doha as the arrival of teams signals the countdown to a tournament that will provide a global stage for young talents to showcase their skills to fans, clubs, and scouts from around the world.