The U17 World Cup has long been a proving ground for future football stars, a stage where young talents begin to shape their careers and earn global recognition.
The World Under 17 Championship is a biennial event in which qualifying nations showcase the next generation of soccer leaders on the world stage. In this tournament, players reveal their abilities and demonstrate they are ready for the higher levels of the game.
Interest in the world of youth football is growing, and FIFA now places even greater emphasis on the quality of venues and competition. The 2023 edition, held in Indonesia, followed that standard and reinforced the event’s prestige on the international calendar.
At GOAL, the story of the World Under 17 Championship is explored in depth, highlighting its impact on players, teams, and football culture around the world. [Goal]
When was the first Under 17 World Cup played and where was it?
The inaugural Under 17 World Cup took place in 1985, a decision born from the notable success of the Under 20 World Cup. The tournament opened in China, and since then it has grown to include many memorable campaigns, with 19 editions anticipated by the 2023 event. The 2023 edition in Indonesia marked the 19th installment in the series. [Goal]
Who won the first Under-17 World Cup?
Nigeria captured the title in the championship held in China in 1985, triumphing 2-0 over West Germany in the final. This victory established Nigeria as the first champions in the history of the competition. [Goal]