Doha, Qatar – The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 as Portugal and Austria prepare to face off in the final this evening. Both teams are vying for a historic first, with Portugal seeking their inaugural U-17 World Cup title and Austria aiming for their first-ever FIFA World Cup championship at any age level. The match will take place at 7pm local time at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.
Prior to the championship game, Italy and Brazil will compete for the bronze medal at the Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex at 3:30pm. This expanded 48-team tournament has been marked by surprising results and enthusiastic fan engagement, culminating in a highly anticipated final between two deserving nations.
Portugal and Austria Clash in U-17 World Cup Final
Portugal has consistently impressed throughout the competition, demonstrating offensive prowess despite a minor setback in the group stage against Japan. They secured dominant victories over New Caledonia (6-1) and Morocco (6-0) and navigated challenging knockout rounds, including a penalty shootout win against tournament favorites Brazil in the semi-final.
However, their opponents, Austria, have proven to be a formidable force, maintaining a perfect record leading up to the final. They efficiently dispatched Saudi Arabia (1-0), Mali (3-0), and New Zealand (4-1) in the group stage. Their momentum continued through the knockout phase with wins over Tunisia (2-0), England (4-0), Japan (1-0), and Italy (2-0).
Key Players to Watch
Portugal’s captain, Rafael Quintas, is expected to lead from the midfield, while forward Anisio Cabral poses a significant threat with six goals scored during the tournament, making him a contender for the coveted Golden Boot award. The team will undoubtedly rely on their cohesive attacking unit to break down Austria’s strong defense.
Austria will counter with the defensive stability of Jakub Pokorny and the goal-scoring ability of Johannes Moser, who currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals. Moser’s form has been crucial to Austria’s success, and Portugal’s defense will need to contain him effectively.
Both coaches recognize the magnitude of the challenge. Portugal’s Bino Macaes acknowledged Austria’s defensive solidity, stating they’ve conceded only one goal in the competition. Hermann Stadler, the Austrian coach, expressed the excitement of reaching the final, a dream come true for the program, and the desire to make history. This represents a significant moment in Austrian football history.
The bronze medal match between Italy and Brazil will also be a compelling contest. A win for Italy would represent their best-ever finish in the U-17 World Cup, surpassing their fourth-place result in 1987. Meanwhile, Brazil will aim to secure a record ninth podium finish in the tournament, showcasing their sustained success in youth football.
Italy captain Luca Reggiani emphasized the team’s determination to finish strongly. “We have to keep pushing,” he said, “We still have one more game to go and want to do our best to win.” Brazil’s coach, Dudu Patetuci, echoed this sentiment, stating his team will always strive for excellence and will compete fiercely for third place.
The outcome of both matches will not only determine the champions and medalists but will also provide valuable experience for players who have showcased their talent on a global stage. The tournament has served as a platform for emerging stars, providing a glimpse into the future of international football.
Following the final, FIFA will conduct a post-tournament analysis to assess the impact of the expanded 48-team format and identify areas for improvement in future editions. Discussions regarding potential changes to the qualifying process and tournament structure are expected in the coming months, with decisions anticipated before the next U-17 World Cup.
