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The FIFA Council convened on March 14, 2024, to reveal Qatar’s selection as the host nation for the upcoming five FIFA U-17 World Cup editions from 2025 to 2029.

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This decision aligns with FIFA’s dedication to fostering youth football development, exemplified by the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams and its shift to an annual format, departing from its previous biennial scheduling, Wego reports.

Qatar’s successful bid to host consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cup tournaments underscores FIFA’s confidence in the nation’s capabilities in organizing major sporting events. The move also reflects FIFA’s commitment to leveraging existing football infrastructure to ensure the tournaments’ efficiency and sustainability.

Moreover, the FIFA Council’s unanimous approval of the Annual Report 2023 highlights the organization’s robust financial health, with a record investment of USD 2.25 billion earmarked for football development in the 2023-2026 cycle under the FIFA Forward 3.0 Programme. This financial stability positions FIFA to surpass its budgetary target of USD 11 billion for the current cycle, enabling enhanced support for member associations in their development and educational initiatives.

Looking ahead, the upcoming FIFA Congress in Bangkok in May 2024 will witness the host(s) designation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Several bids, including those from Brazil, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, and the United States, are vying for the honor of hosting the prestigious tournament. The transparency of the voting process underscores FIFA’s commitment to openness and fairness in its decision-making procedures.