Doha, Qatar – Portugal and Austria have secured their places in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, marking a historic moment for the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. Austria achieved a stunning 2-0 victory over Italy in the first semi-final, followed by Portugal’s dramatic penalty shootout win against Brazil after a goalless 90 minutes. The final, the first ever for both nations at this age level, will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday.
The victories set the stage for a highly anticipated championship match between two teams that have demonstrated resilience throughout the competition. The third-place match between Brazil and Italy will precede the final on Thursday, taking place at the Competition Complex’s Mansour Muftah Pitch.
Austria Reaches First Ever FIFA World Cup Final
Johannes Moser proved to be the decisive player for Austria, scoring both goals in their 2-0 semi-final win against Italy at Khaled Ballan Pitch. The match, a clash of previously unbeaten sides, was largely tactical in the first half, with both teams finding it difficult to establish a rhythm.
However, Austria emerged stronger after halftime. Moser opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a well-placed left-footed shot, and effectively sealed the victory with a spectacular free-kick deep into stoppage time. The win was marred by late red cards for both teams, with Benit Borasio sent off for Austria and Samuele Inacio for Italy after the final whistle.
Moser’s performance brings his tournament goal tally to a remarkable eight, positioning him as a leading contender for the Golden Boot award. Coach Hermann Stadler described the achievement as “a dream come true” for Austrian football, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the nation’s youth development programs.
Portugal Advances in Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout
Meanwhile, at Mansour Muftah Pitch, Portugal’s path to the final was significantly more arduous. They battled to a 0-0 draw with pre-tournament favorites Brazil in a captivating semi-final encounter. Both teams created opportunities, with Anisio Cabral of Portugal and Brazil’s Dell coming close to breaking the deadlock during regulation time.
The match ultimately hinged on a tense penalty shootout. Despite both teams converting their first four attempts, the drama escalated when Portugal’s Romario Cunha missed. Brazil subsequently had a chance to win, but Ruan Pablo’s effort struck the post. With scores level, Jose Neto converted for Portugal, and Angelo’s missed attempt for Brazil secured their place in the final.
Portugal head coach Bino acknowledged the difficulty of the match, praising both teams for their competitiveness and attributing his side’s success to luck in the shootout. He also emphasized the importance of rest and preparation ahead of the U-17 World Cup final.
Looking Ahead to the Final
This will be the first time Austria and Portugal have met in a FIFA World Cup final at any age level. The expanded format of this tournament, with 48 participating teams, has been credited with providing opportunities for emerging football nations like Austria to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Experts anticipate a closely contested final, given both teams’ defensive solidity and attacking capabilities. While Moser’s goal-scoring form provides Austria with a potent threat, Portugal’s resilience and penalty shootout experience demonstrate their mental fortitude. The outcome remains uncertain, but the match promises to be a fitting climax to an exciting tournament. The competition concludes with the final at 7pm on Thursday, and the third-place play-off earlier in the day, offering one last chance to see international youth football action in Qatar.
