The 2025 FIFA U-17 world cup is intensifying as some teams are already looking forward to the next stage of the competition.
South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, and Zambia have secured qualification to the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
According to FIFA, South Africa advanced from Group A after a steady campaign in the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-17 world Cup.
The team began with a 3-1 win over Bolivia on November 3, drew 1-1 against hosts Qatar on November 6, and later suffered a 3-1 defeat to Italy on November 9.
Despite the loss, their earlier results were enough to seal a place in the next round.
Senegal were one of Africa’s strongest performers in the group stage. Competing in Group C of the 2025 FIFA U-17 world cup, they earned a goalless draw on November 3 before recording a 1-0 victory over Croatia on November 6.
They then secured a convincing 5-0 win against the UAE on November 9 to qualify comfortably.
Egypt also advanced from Group E after an assured display.
The team opened with a dominant 4-1 win over Haiti on November 4 and followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on November 7. Their qualification was confirmed ahead of their final group game.
Zambia joined the list of qualifiers from Group H with impressive attacking performances.
They defeated Indonesia 3-1 on November 4 and secured a 5-2 win over Honduras on November 7.
Zambia will conclude their group campaign against Brazil on November 10, already assured of progress.
Morocco and Tunisia still hold hopes of advancing, but must wait on results from other groups to determine if they will progress as two of the best third-placed teams.
Morocco suffered heavy defeats to Japan and Portugal before producing a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia.
Tunisia began the 2025 FIFA U-17 world cup with a 6-0 win over Fiji, but later fell 1-0 to Argentina and 2-0 to Belgium.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Uganda must win their final group games to retain any chance of reaching the next round.
Ivory Coast, however, have been eliminated from the 2025 FIFA U-17 world cup after consecutive defeats — 4-1 to Switzerland and 1-0 to Mexico — leaving their final fixture with only pride to play for.
With four nations already through and others still fighting for survival, Africa’s presence in the knockout rounds continues to grow stronger as the tournament progresses in Qatar.