Paraguay
How they qualified: South American U-17 Championship fifth place
Previous participations: 5
Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-finalists (1999, 2019)
Coach: Mariano Uglessich
Ledesma was key to Paraguay’s hard-fought qualification for Qatar 2025. The captain helps dictate play from the middle of the park and stands out for his strength in duels. He also showed his mettle by converting in both penalty shootouts Paraguay won on their way to fifth place at the South American U-17 Championship.
Uzbekistan
How they qualified: AFC U-17 Asian Cup winners
Previous participations: 3
Best U-17 World Cup result: Quarter-finalists (2011, 2023)
Coach: Islom Ismoilov
Khasanov wears the No7 shirt and plays very much in the manner of a traditional winger, predominantly on the left but also capable of lining up on the opposite flank. A wonderful dribbler, the Bunyodkor starlet possesses twinkle toes as well as the balance and pace to burst past defenders. He was both the second highest scorer and tournament MVP as Uzbekistan won this year’s U-17 Asian Cup in dominant fashion to reach Qatar 2025.
Panama
How they qualified: Concacaf U-17 World Cup qualifying group winners
Previous participations: 3
Best U-17 World Cup result: Round of 16 (2011)
Coach: Leonardo Pipino
A penetrative left winger, Lopez is essential to coach Leonardo Pipino’s system. Lopez, who scored three goals for Panama in U-17 World Cup qualifying, is capable of bending games to his will with his creativity and finishing ability. He is currently on loan with River Plate’s youth team from Panamanian club Costa del Este.
Republic of Ireland
How they qualified: Reached UEFA Under-17 European Championship final tournament
Previous participations: 0
Best U-17 World Cup result: N/A
Coach: Colin O’Brien
A fast, creative forward with an eye for goal, Umeh plays his club football for Benfica. He moved to Portugal in 2024 and Republic of Ireland coach Colin O’Brien says the teenager’s game has “improved massively” since joining the Lisbon side’s famed academy. Umeh’s older brother, Franco, is also a professional footballer and is a current Ireland U-21 international.
