Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Under-17 manager Majed Salem Al Zaabi has sounded the bugle on ramping up preparations for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, after the national team qualified for November's age-group showpiece in Qatar earlier this month in Saudi Arabia.
The team clinched qualification following a 1-1 draw with Vietnam in the final Group B match of the Asian Cup qualifiers, held at King Fahd Stadium in Taif. That result, coupled with a resounding 2-0 victory over Australia, pushed the young Emiratis to four points – enough to secure a coveted ticket to the expanded tournament in Doha, where eight Asian teams made the cut in the 48-team tournament, apart from the hosts.
The feat marked a significant milestone in the country's youth football development, having made the Finals for the fourth time after a long gap of 12 years.
"This qualification is a reward for the tremendous effort of the players, the technical staff, and the support of the federation," the manager has said. "But now the real work begins. Qualifying is just the first step – we must prepare in every possible way to be competitive at the World Cup."
The team had a rocky start, with the UAE falling 4-1 to Japan in their opening match. However, under the leadership of Al Zaabi, the team rebounded with determination and tactical discipline to deliver the results they needed.
And now the coach has emphasised the importance of learning from past campaigns as well as the qualifying tournament while aiming for new milestones. The UAE has made previous appearances in 1991, 2009, and 2013. Their most successful run came in 2009 in Nigeria, where the team reached the Round of 16.
"Our goal is not just to participate but to advance beyond the previous benchmarks. The expanded format gives us an opportunity, but we must improve in all aspects – physically, tactically, and mentally. We must prepare as if we are playing for the title," he added.
The players received a warm welcome on arrival in Abu Dhabi. Social media buzzed with praise, with many fans expressing hope that this U-17 generation will emulate the golden era led by Mahdi Ali, which saw the UAE claim the Gulf Cup. Football pundits echoed those sentiments, noting the promise shown by the current crop to go all the way and feed the senior national team in the near future.
The U17 World Cup is expected to be one of the most competitive youth tournaments in history with its new format. For Salem and his boys, the road to Qatar now becomes one of preparation, ambition, and maturity beyond those soft ears.
