Fans have packed into Doha’s spectacular Aspire Zone, creating a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere.
Doha, Qatar: 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.”
Thousands of fans have attended each matchday, with Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches.
USA sensation Cavan Sullivan 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.”
Thousands of fans have attended each matchday, with Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches.
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 tomorrow – and yet more breathtaking games primed to wow thousands of vocal and passionate fans – those beautiful vibes show no signs of fading. (FIFA)
