Doha, Qatar – The Paraguay U-17 national football team has confirmed its opponents for the group stage of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar this November. Led by Argentine coach Mariano Uglesich, the Paraguayan team received a seeded spot for the first time in its history during the draw held on May 26 (local time), and has been placed in Group J alongside Uzbekistan, Panama, and the Republic of Ireland.

 
Draw Results and Match Schedule

Paraguay will face strong contenders representing various continents in Group J. Their opening match will be against Uzbekistan, the current U-17 Asian champions. Uzbekistan has emerged as a rising force in Asian football, achieving strong results across its age-group national teams, making them a formidable opponent for Paraguay. Following that, Paraguay will take on Panama from Central America. Panama has consistently demonstrated competitiveness in the CONCACAF region and possesses the potential to cause upsets with unpredictable play. The final group stage match will be against the Republic of Ireland from Europe. Ireland showcased its strength by successfully navigating the European qualifiers and is characterized by solid defense and organized play.

FIFA has restructured the U-17 World Cup starting from this edition, making it an annual event and selecting Qatar as the fixed host until 2029. The 2025 tournament is scheduled to commence on November 5 and conclude on November 27, lasting approximately three weeks. These changes are analyzed as a strategic decision by FIFA to provide more international experience opportunities for young players and to maximize the utilization of Qatar's football infrastructure.

 
Paraguay U-17 National Team's Challenge and Outlook

Coach Mariano Uglesich is focused on harmonizing the tactical depth of Argentine football with the unique technical skills characteristic of South American play. Uglesich stated, "Uzbekistan is the Asian champion, and Panama and Ireland are also tough opponents, but we will prepare our best. We aim to showcase Paraguay's football heritage and achieve good results." The fact that Paraguay received a seeded spot in this tournament reflects the consistent growth of its age-group national teams in recent years, and expectations from the local fans are higher than ever.

The Paraguay U-17 national team is determined to once again prove the strength of South American football through this World Cup. In particular, this tournament holds significant meaning in terms of developing the skills and accumulating international experience for promising young players who will lead the senior national team in the future. Paraguayan football is built upon technical individual skill and tenacious play, and when combined with Uglesich's tactical guidance, it is expected to generate significant synergy.

 
Changes in the FIFA U-17 World Cup and Qatar's Role

FIFA's restructuring of the U-17 World Cup aligns with the changing landscape of international football. The annual tournament is expected to provide more young players with global stage experience and contribute to the early discovery and nurturing of potential talent. Furthermore, Qatar's selection as the fixed host until 2029 demonstrates FIFA's confidence in Qatar's state-of-the-art facilities and organizational capabilities, proven by the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar already boasts numerous world-class training grounds and stadiums, and its well-developed accommodation and transportation infrastructure can provide an optimal environment for teams and officials.

This tournament will not only determine the champions but also offer an opportunity to glimpse the current state of football development strategies and future football talent cultivation in various countries. All eyes of football fans worldwide will be on the Paraguay U-17 national team to see what results they will achieve amidst fierce competition.