Attending a matchday at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is to live a football experience like no other.
The group stage of the new-look 48-team tournament concluded on Tuesday after nine consecutive days of unrelenting thrills and drama. With eight games taking place per day – many simultaneously – at Doha’s spectacular Aspire Zone, the grounds have been abuzz with activity.
Fans have packed into this world-class sporting facility, creating a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere. The eight pitches are in close proximity, meaning chants and cheers from every game permeate across the complex.
The energy is comparable to a major golf or tennis championship, with drama unfolding all around. Of course, there is nothing is quite like international football, and nothing quite like a World Cup; the emotions are heightened and raw, the roars visceral and thunderous.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” Italy defender Dauda Idrissa told FIFA. “There are fans from everywhere. It’s so loud! The fact we can showcase our skills in front of all these people is unreal.”
USA sensation Cavan Sullivan (pictured below) said: “Not a day goes by where I don’t have fun. I’m having a blast. It feels like a unified tournament, with cultures are coming together. It’s a pretty awesome opportunity.”
Sullivan’s words were delivered with a beaming smile, and the positivity was palpable from players and coaches alike when asked to share their takes on the tournament so far.
“It’s like a little football town here!” enthused Germany coach Marc Meister. “There is a great atmosphere. This is not only my perspective, I know it also comes from the boys. They are loving it. This is the quality of environment they want to get to (in the future).”
England coach Neil Ryan worked at Manchester United’s academy for 19 years before joining the national team in 2022. He has coached at some of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world – and revealed what sets this competition apart.
“The crowds are very lively, and there’s a real ‘world’ flavour,” said Ryan, after his team beat Egypt to book their spot in the Round of 32. “You heard the Egyptian fans singing at our game, and our fans made a lot of noise too. And then you’re hearing all the other fields going off at different times. Who’s scoring, you’re not quite sure! It’s an amazing set-up. I’ve said to the players, we don’t want to be stopping (our journey) now. We want more and more of this.”
Ryan added: “If I wasn’t a coach, I’d be a spectator, because there are such great crowds and there’s such a great feeling here.”
Indeed, the stands have been filled to the rafters as supporters have travelled from across the globe to take in this groundbreaking competition.
Thousands of fans have attended each matchday, with Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches.
South African supporter Jordan, fresh from watching his beloved Bafana Bafana, said: “It’s electric here. There are so many pockets of energy. Then there are all the staff guiding everyone and people to help you with any questions. It’s been world-class. There’s also the Fan Zone where everyone congregates, which is superb.”
A visit to the Fan Zone provides an uplifting snapshot of how football can bring people together. Football-lovers of all ages and many different nationalities mingle in a buoyant, family-friendly environment. There are fairground games, music and dance performances, creative workshops, and a huge screen to watch the U-17 World Cup games.
There is also a specially prepared five-a-side pitch for kids to display their skills, and it was here we caught up with Chilean supporter Pamela, who was cheering on her son Jose Tomas.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” she said. “Qatar feels very safe. The children play together peacefully, and the event is very well organised for families to enjoy. It’s great seeing my son here playing now – he’s the goalkeeper! What I like most are the games for the children.”
Croatia coach, Marijan Budimir, was able to offer a sporting and spectator perspective having brought his family along to the tournament. He revealed how the event, and city of Doha, has made quite an impression.
“The atmosphere has been great, with lots of Croatian supporters, including my wife and kid,” he said. “We’re from beautiful place in Split, but they like Doha very much. They said they could live here! The tournament and organisation is perfect. It’s a beautiful vibe.”
With the knockout phase set to begin on Friday – and yet more breathtaking games primed to wow thousands of vocal and passionate fans – those beautiful vibes show no signs of fading.
