Football legend Mikaël Silvestre has praised Qatar’s exceptional hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, highlighting the country’s operational excellence and commitment to youth football. The tournament is being held across eight state-of-the-art pitches at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, Doha, from November 9 to 27.
Silvestre, a decorated former French international defender, was in Qatar to attend the historic first-ever 48-team youth tournament. He appreciated the seamless organisation, stating that “from the venue to the infrastructure, especially for guests like me, the standard of organisation is fantastic.” The quality of football was also intense, with players showing a lot of aggressiveness and a high level of skill.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025: A Showcase of Youth Talent
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the biggest edition of the youth tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. This is a significant expansion from previous editions, and it has drawn comparisons to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which was also hosted in the country. Silvestre noted that Qatar’s hosting capabilities have been consistent, with a seamless commute between stadiums, high-quality pitches, and excellent infrastructure.
The tournament is part of Qatar’s ongoing commitment to youth development, and it underscores the country’s growing legacy as a premier international sports destination. The event is expected to showcase the talents of young footballers from around the world, some of whom may go on to become future stars in the sport. According to Silvestre, the tournament provides a platform for players to shine on the global stage, with the final match taking place on November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium.
Qatar’s Hosting Legacy
Qatar’s experience hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 has clearly paid off, with Silvestre praising the country’s ability to manage multiple games at different venues. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive youth tournaments that Qatar will host through 2029. This is a significant undertaking, and it demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to developing its sports infrastructure and promoting youth football.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see high-quality football and exciting matches. For those interested in attending, tickets are available through the official website, www.roadtoqatar.qa. The next step will be the final match on November 27, where the champion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will be crowned.

