Drsek: Czechia want to play football that entertains
He spent most of his career as a centre-back, but Pavel Drsek’s coaching philosophy is centred on expressive and attacking football. As he succinctly explained to FIFA: “I’d rather win 5-3 than 1-0!” It’s an approach set to be showcased at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, where Drsek will lead his native Czechia. […]
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025™ Match Schedule
Morocco 2025 marks the ninth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™, and the first to feature 24 teams. Now an annual event, the tournament kicks off on 17 October and runs until 8 November 2025. The Official Draw, held on 4 June in Rabat, divided the contenders into six groups of four. After […]
Okon-Engstler: Australia is a match for any nation
When the draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ was revealed in Santiago in late May, Paul Okon-Engstler couldn’t quite believe how things broke. Australia’s silky string-puller has a father with Italian roots while his mother is Cuban so when the draw, amazingly, grouped those three nations in the same section it set off all […]
FIFA and Shirel unveil Official Song of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™
FIFA has teamed up with Chilean pop sensation Shirel for the global release of El Alma en la Cancha (Olé Olé Olé), the Official Song of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. Produced by Taffy Dönicke, El Alma en la Cancha (“The Soul on the Pitch”) combines an infectious rhythm, Latin flair and uplifting […]
IR Iran at the FIFA World Cup: Team profile and history
Three-time continental champions IR Iran are Asian football royalty, but they are still to replicate that regional success on the global stage, having been unable to progress from the group in their six FIFA World Cup™ outings to date. Hopes are high that things are about to change. Having stormed through qualification for the North […]
Garguez sends Chile wild as Japan, Ukraine and Paragay win
A 97th-minute strike from Ian Garguez earned hosts Chile a dramatic opening-day win at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025™ over a heartbroken New Zealand. Earlier in Group A, Japan were victorious as they swept aside Egypt. Ukraine also joined the winners’ circle after dispatching of Korea Republic in Group B, before Paraguay did the […]
Matchday 2 preview: Global powerhouses join the party
No nation has won the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ more often than Argentina, and they will begin their quest for a seventh star in Chile against Cuba. Brazil follow hot on their heels with five triumphs and face Mexico in a battle of two continental kings. Elsewhere, Morocco and Spain will do battle in Santiago, […]
Moreira: Cabo Verde is going crazy
With a population of just 525,000, Cabo Verde is poised to become the second-smallest nation to compete in a FIFA World Cup™ after Iceland, who participated at Russia 2018. Following their landmark 1-0 victory over Cameroon earlier this month, the Blue Sharks have a four-point cushion at the top of Group D in African qualifying […]
Garcia out to inspire Bolivia’s next generation
Bolivia are back at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ after a 38-year absence, and attacker Santos Garcia is “raring to go” at the showpiece finals. The teenager played a key role in getting his team to Qatar 2025. In the decisive seventh-place play‑off against Ecuador at the South American U-17 Championship – a head-to-head match […]
Moshood: Nigeria can lift the trophy
One minute and 21 seconds. That is how long it took Shakirat Moshood to get noticed at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024™. The young striker became the tournament’s first goalscorer when Nigeria opened their campaign against New Zealand. The 16-year-old’s finesse and goal-scoring instinct were clear to see from the outset […]