In April 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the final rounds of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which is set to take place from April 3 to April 20. This prestigious tournament will feature 16 national teams and will be held across two cities: Jeddah and Taif. This edition of the championship introduces a new format, allowing the top eight teams to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Qatar from November 5 to November 27, 2025. This will mark a significant milestone, as it will be the first time the World Cup will include 48 teams.
The draw for the tournament, which was conducted in January, has placed the Saudi national U-17 team, the host nation, at the top of Group A. They will compete against teams from Uzbekistan, Thailand, and China. Group B consists of Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and the UAE. Meanwhile, Group C features South Korea alongside Yemen, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, and Group D includes Iran, Tajikistan, Oman, and North Korea.
Yasser bin Hassan Al-Mashel, the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed his warm welcome to the participating teams. He hopes they will enjoy their stay in the Kingdom and contribute to a competitive tournament that highlights the excellence of Asian football. Al-Mashel emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is a continuation of its trend towards hosting major sports events. The Kingdom is increasingly recognized as a leading destination for regional, continental, and global championships, thanks to the generous support of its leadership towards sports development generally, and football in particular.
He also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Sports in mobilizing all available resources to ensure the successful organization of such significant events. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering sports and enhancing its international presence through sporting events.
As preparations for the tournament ramp up, officials are optimistic about the positive impact of the event on Saudi football and sports culture. The tournament is seen not only as an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talents but also as a platform to further enhance the relationship with fans and engaging the community in sports activities.
With the tournament setting out to provide a high standard of competition, it is anticipated that players will be able to develop their skills in a professional environment. The event will also present an opportunity for scouts and coaches to identify promising young talents who could potentially benefit their respective national teams in the future. The eyes of the footballing world will be on Saudi Arabia as the teams vie for not only the continental title but also the coveted spots in the upcoming World Cup.
In summary, the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is poised to be a landmark event for Saudi Arabia, serving to bolster the nation’s reputation in the world of sports while providing a stunning showcase for young footballers. With significant efforts put in by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and support from the government, the tournament aims to deliver a memorable experience that promotes unity and the spirit of sportsmanship across Asia.
