Mexico
How they qualified: Concacaf U-17 World Cup qualifying group winners
Previous participations: 15
Best U-17 World Cup result: Winners (2005, 2011)
Coach: Carlos Carino
The son of Mexico international Aldo De Nigris, Aldo Patricio is hungry to emulate his father and make his mark for his national team. With four goals in U-17 World Cup qualifying, the teenage Monterrey striker looks primed to be Mexico’s chief attacking threat at Qatar 2025.
Korea Republic
How they qualified: AFC U-17 Asian Cup semi-finalists
Previous participations: 7
Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-finalists (1987, 2009, 2019)
Coach: Kim Hyunjun
Hailing from Daedong Taxation High School, Kim Eunseong was the only Korea Republic squad member at this year’s U-17 Asian Cup who did not play his club football for a K League academy team. At the continental championship, Kim scored a brace against Afghanistan and then Korea’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Yemen, which secured their place in the knockout stage.
Côte d’Ivoire
How they qualified: CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations third place
Previous participations: 4
Best U-17 World Cup result: Third (1987)
Coach: Bassiriki Diabate
Having finished as top scorer at the U-17 AFCON – ten years after his idol Victor Osimhen – Haidara hopes to continue walking in the footsteps of the Nigerian by winning the U-17 World Cup. A tall and powerful forward, he has been described as a “classic nine” by Cote d’Ivoire coach Bassiriki Diabate. Haidara is lethal in front of goal and also adept at holding up the ball and linking play.
Switzerland
How they qualified: One of the best second-placed teams in UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying
Previous participations: 1
Best U-17 World Cup result: Winners (2009)
Coach: Luigi Pisino
The attacking midfielder is considered one of the most exciting teenage talents in Switzerland. With a potential professional debut for his home club Aarau looming, he opted to make a move to Freiburg’s renowned youth academy. He is technically gifted, fast and possesses excellent close control. Expect him deliver some exhilarating dribbles in Qatar.
