Group Stage Preview: 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia

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The 2023 Under-17 World Cup group stage runs from November 10 to November 17, offering a compact window where teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds. The tournament in Indonesia features 24 qualified teams drawn into six groups of four. Each squad is guaranteed at least three matches in the opening phase as they vie for qualification to the round of 16. The group-stage pairings were determined on September 15, shaping a diverse mix of national styles and strategies across the four fixtures daily schedule.

Across the period from November 10 to 18, matches will be staged each day, with four games on the slate daily—two clashes from each group—spanning four distinct kick-off times. This arrangement gives fans ample opportunities to catch the action as teams press for top-two finishes in their pools. After a single rest day, the tournament shifts into the knockout stage series, beginning with the round of 16 on November 20 and concluding the phase on November 22. The competition then moves into the quarter-finals on November 24 and 25, follows with the semi-finals on November 28, the third-place playoff on December 1, and the grand final on December 2.

Group stage of the U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023: Groups, matches, fixtures and results

Qualified teams

The allocation of World Cup berths has been finalized, naming the teams that will compete on the Indonesian stage. The host nation is Indonesia, earning automatic entry. Across the confederations, five European nations join the field, alongside representatives from South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, creating a global mix of up-and-coming talent.

  • Host (1): Indonesia
  • UEFA (5): Poland, Germany, Spain, France, England
  • Conmebol (4): Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina, Venezuela
  • Concacaf (4): Mexico, United States, Canada, Panama
  • CAF (Africa 4): Senegal, Morocco, Mali, Burkina Faso
  • AFC (Asia 5): Indonesia, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan
  • OFC (Oceania 2): New Zealand and New Caledonia

Group stage: schedule, results and rankings

GROUP A will host a set of tightly contested openings where teams measure strength on the front foot, pressing high and seeking quick transitions to test goalkeepers and backlines. The B-Group section presents a contrasting blend of tactical discipline and creative playmaking as squads attempt to exploit width and set-piece opportunities. GROUP C, GROUP D, and GROUP E continue this pattern, with each pool delivering its own narrative—early shocks, breakout performers, and the rise of young players who could become household names by the tournament’s end. TROS F marks a transitional label in the schedule, signaling pivotal moments when the field narrows and the intensity climbs.

Fan interest will be high as youngsters showcase technical skill, decision-making under pressure, and the stamina to endure back-to-back matches within a short span. The tournament’s organizers emphasize competitive balance, ensuring fair travel schedules and consistent rest periods between matches to optimize player development and safety. All results, standings, and progress toward the knockout phase will chart a clear path from group success to the climactic moments of the event.

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