Qatar is hosting another World Cup, and this one has 48 teams. The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday 19 November, with almost every match played at the Aspire Zone in Doha and the final at Khalifa International Stadium on 13 December. In fact, teams are already arriving in Doha, and Saudi Arabia’s young Green Falcons open against Uruguay on day one.
So here is the full picture for Gulf fans: Saudi Arabia’s and Qatar’s fixtures, the Arab teams to follow, the knockout dates and how to watch.
Quick answer: The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 runs from 19 November to 13 December in Qatar. Saudi Arabia play Uruguay on 19 November, France on 22 November and Haiti on 25 November. Hosts Qatar face Panama, Egypt and Greece. The Aspire Zone hosts the group matches, and the official Road to Qatar website sells the tickets.
Saudi Arabia’s group and match schedule
Saudi Arabia are in a tough group with Uruguay, France and Haiti. All times are Qatar time, which is one hour behind the UAE.
| Date | Match | Venue | Qatar time | UAE time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 19 Nov | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Aspire Zone, Pitch 5 | 5:00pm | 6:00pm |
| Sun 22 Nov | France vs Saudi Arabia | Aspire Zone, Pitch 5 | 4:30pm | 5:30pm |
| Wed 25 Nov | Haiti vs Saudi Arabia | Aspire Zone, Pitch 1 | 4:30pm | 5:30pm |
Fixtures are from the published tournament schedule. Still, check FIFA’s official site for any late changes.
Qatar’s fixtures as hosts
| Date | Match | Qatar time |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 19 Nov | Qatar vs Panama | 6:30pm |
| Sun 22 Nov | Qatar vs Egypt | 6:00pm |
| Wed 25 Nov | Greece vs Qatar | 5:30pm |
Meanwhile, Qatar against Egypt on 22 November is the standout Arab derby of the group stage.
Read More: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Tickets: Day Passes Cost QAR 20
Other Arab teams to follow
- Egypt: open against Greece on 19 November, then face Qatar and Panama
- Morocco: start against Fiji on 20 November, then play China PR
- Algeria: begin against Chile on 21 November
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 knockout stage dates
| Round | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | 30 November and 1 December | Aspire Zone |
| Round of 16 | 4 and 5 December | Aspire Zone |
| Quarter-finals | 8 December | Aspire Zone |
| Semi-finals | 10 December | Aspire Zone |
| Third-place play-off | 13 December, 3:30pm | Aspire Zone |
| Final | 13 December, 7:00pm | Khalifa International Stadium |
With 48 teams and a round of 32, the best third-placed sides also go through, which gives Saudi Arabia a realistic route out of a hard group.
How to watch and attend
In person
You can buy tickets through the official Road to Qatar website. Because several matches take place on different Aspire Zone pitches on the same day, a day pass lets you see more than one game. If you are travelling from elsewhere in the GCC, check your Qatar visa status before you book.
On TV and streaming
However, broadcasters for the Gulf had not confirmed their plans when we published. Instead, check FIFA’s official channels and your usual sports provider closer to kick-off.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Where Each Arab Country Landed
Pro Tip: Aspire Zone matches on the same day start 30 minutes to an hour apart. So pick a day with Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Egypt playing and you can catch two or three games in one visit.
Our Take
After all, an under-17 World Cup is where future stars first show up, and this one is in the Gulf’s backyard. Saudi Arabia have a hard group, but the 48-team format leaves room for an upset. With matches clustered at Aspire Zone and cheap day passes, it is also one of the most accessible FIFA tournaments the region has seen.
FAQs
When does the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 start?
Thursday 19 November 2026, with the final on Sunday 13 December.
Which group is Saudi Arabia in at the U-17 World Cup?
Saudi Arabia face Uruguay, France and Haiti in their group.
Where is the U-17 World Cup final?
At Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on 13 December 2026, kicking off at 7pm Qatar time.
Where can I buy U-17 World Cup tickets?
Through the official Road to Qatar website.
