U17 World Cup: full schedule for the quarter-finals (date, time..)

3 hours ago7 min read

The stage is set for a truly global spectacle as the U17 World Cup quarter-finals kick off, with the eight surviving teams confirming their credentials as the planet's most exciting youth prospects. Africa's representation is particularly formidable, with both Burkina Faso and Morocco advancing, a testament to the continent's burgeoning footballing depth.The 'Junior Etalons' of Burkina Faso showcased immense nerve, booking their place in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Uganda after a tense 1-1 draw, a performance reminiscent of the legendary Ghanaian youth sides that have historically dominated these tournaments. Not to be outdone, Morocco's 'Lion Cubs' secured their own hard-fought passage with a thrilling 3-2 win against Mali, demonstrating a tactical maturity that belies their age and evoking comparisons to the disciplined, counter-attacking style that propelled their senior team to a historic World Cup semi-final run in 2022.The quarter-final draw has produced mouth-watering fixtures that promise a masterclass in the future of the beautiful game. The day opens with Austria taking on Japan, a clash of European structure versus Asian technical fluency that will test the very foundations of each nation's footballing philosophy.This is followed by Italy facing the resilient Burkina Faso, a match where the Azzurri's famed *catenaccio* defensive discipline will be sternly examined by the raw, explosive talent emerging from West Africa. Later, Portugal and Switzerland reignite a European rivalry, a contest that often feels like a chess match, with both nations producing a golden generation of technically gifted players who could one day challenge for the Ballon d'Or, much like Cristiano Ronaldo did for over a decade.The headline act, however, is undoubtedly the titanic clash between five-time senior World Cup champions Brazil and a Moroccan side riding a wave of continental pride. This fixture is more than a game; it's a battle of footballing identities.Brazil, the eternal purveyors of *jogo bonito*, with their samba rhythm and individual flair embodied by past icons like Pelé and Ronaldinho, against a Moroccan team that has become the blueprint for pragmatic, yet devastatingly effective, modern African football. The tactical duel on the touchline will be as fascinating as the action on the pitch, with coaches making decisions that could define these young players' careers.The stakes here are immeasurably high; victory not only means a step closer to the trophy but also serves as a powerful statement to the world about the future trajectory of a nation's football. For scouts from elite clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Premier League giants, these matches are a live scouting database, a chance to identify the next Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé before their value skyrockets.The data generated—pass completion rates under pressure, defensive interventions, and goal-creating actions—will be pored over for years to come. Ultimately, the U17 World Cup is where legends are born, and this quarter-final lineup promises to deliver narratives of triumph, heartbreak, and the unbridled joy that makes football the world's game.

#U17 World Cup

#quarter-finals

#football

#schedule

#Burkina Faso

#Morocco

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