Mali
How they qualified: CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up
Previous participations: 6
Best U-17 World Cup result: Runners-up (2015)
Coach: Adama Diefa Diallo
A lightning-quick forward, Bomba operates as a classic No9 and struck three times for Mali during the U-17 AFCON. As well as being an accomplished finisher, coach Adama Diefa Diallo paid tribute to his all-round play. “He’s a very good support striker,” said Diallo. “He’s strong and also has very smart runs.” Currently with Malian club side CS Bamako, Bomba will join Bayer Leverkusen in March.
New Zealand
How they qualified: OFC U-16 Championship winners
Previous participations: 10
Best U-17 World Cup result: Round of 16 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Coach: Martin Bullock
In the absence of Luke Brooke-Smith, much of the creative and scoring burden will fall to electric winger Aaron Cartwight. The left-footed forward usually lines up on the right for the Junior All Whites and was the driving force in their qualification for Qatar 2025, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards at last year’s OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. On the books of Australian champions Melbourne City, the starlet has already featured in both domestic and AFC Champions League Elite squads and looms as a key attacking threat for Martin Bullock’s side.
Austria
How they qualified: One of the best second-placed teams in UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying
Previous participations: 2
Best U-17 World Cup result: Group stage (1997, 2013)
Coach: Hermann Stadler
Austria captain Pokorny is considered of the nation’s top young central defenders. Pokorny possesses maturity beyond his years and made his first start for start for Salzburg in the UEFA Youth League – a U-19 tournament – at the age of just 16. He was on target in Austria’s last game before the finals, converting a penalty in 1-0 victory over Italy.
Saudi Arabia
How they qualified: AFC U-17 Asian Cup runners-up
Previous participations: 3
Best U-17 World Cup result: Winners (1989)
Coach: Mario Jorge
The Saudi Arabia captain leads by example in the middle of the park. He has a strong physical presence and excellent work ethic. The teenager has also made eye-catching progress at club side for Al Fateh and made his first senior Saudi Pro League start for the side against Al Hazem in September.
