In a landmark moment for African football, ten national teams have clinched qualification for the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, set to take place from November 3 to 27. The final qualification slots were confirmed following the conclusion of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) play-offs, marking Africa’s most significant representation in the tournament’s history.
Uganda and Egypt emerged victorious in Saturday’s decisive play-off matches to seal the last two coveted tickets. Uganda etched their name into history by qualifying for their maiden U-17 World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 comeback over The Gambia, courtesy of a brace from James Bogere. Later in the evening, host nation Egypt delighted home fans in Cairo with a spirited 2-1 win against Angola, thanks to goals from Abdel Aziz El Zoghby and Hamza Mohamed Abdel Karim.
These triumphs bring Africa’s contingent to ten, joining Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia—teams that had already earned their spots through strong performances in the U-17 AFCON knockout rounds. Defending champions Senegal remain a formidable force, while Côte d’Ivoire impressed with a memorable 4-2 group-stage win over Mali.
This year’s edition marks the largest U-17 World Cup in history, expanding to 48 teams for the first time. The tournament serves as a global showcase for emerging talent, with Africa’s past contributions producing legends such as Nwankwo Kanu, Michael Essien, Seydou Keita, and Mahamadou Diarra. The upcoming competition is set to spotlight the continent’s next generation of football luminaries.
With the qualification phase complete, all eyes now turn to the final draw and preparations for Qatar. Africa’s ten flagbearers, bursting with talent and ambition, are poised to make a statement on the global stage, carrying the hopes of a continent eager for international acclaim.
Photo: Fufa Media
