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U -17 NATIONAL TEAM

Qatar’s talent for nurturing young football stars is evident in the impressive record of its U17 national team. In addition to winning the AFC U16 Championship in 1990 (hosted by the UAE), they finished as runnersup on five occasions (1985, 1986, 1992, 1994, and 1998). 

/FIRST APPEARANCE

1985

The Maroon Juniors first made their mark in the AFC U16 Championship by reaching the final in 1985, narrowly losing 43 to Saudi Arabia in a thrilling match during the tournament hosted in Doha. The following year, they faced another heartbreaking defeat in the final, this time losing 54 on penalties to South Korea in the same city.  

1990-1988

After another strong showing in 1988, Qatar claimed their first continental title in 1990. The team continued its dominance by reaching three more finals in 1992, 1994, and 1998, though they fell short each time:  
 1992: Lost 87 on penalties to China after a 22 draw (hosted by Saudi Arabia).  1994: Defeated 10 by Japan in extra time (hosted by Qatar). 1998: Lost 32 on penalties to Thailand following a 11 draw (hosted by Qatar).  

 

1991

Just one year later, Qatar made history by finishing fourth at the 1991 FIFA U17 World Cup in Italy.  
They advanced to the semifinals after defeating the USA 54 on penalties (11 in regulation).  
 Lost on penalties to eventual champions Ghana in the semifinals.  
 Suffered another shootout defeat against Argentina in the thirdplace playoff.  

1993–1995

1993 (Japan): Qatar was placed in Group 3 alongside Czechoslovakia, USA, and Colombia, securing a 20 win over Colombia—their only victory in the tournament.  
1995 (Ecuador): The team exited in the group stage after facing Spain, Australia, and Nigeria.  

2005

In their fourth FIFA U17 World Cup appearance (Peru 2005), Qatar was drawn in Group 4 with Brazil, Netherlands, and Gambia.  
 Held the Netherlands to a 22 draw in their opening match.  
 Despite a 53 loss, the tournament unveiled future stars like Khalfan Ibrahim, who later won the Asian Player of the Year award and became one of Asia’s finest footballers.  

This marked Qatar’s fourth and most recent U17 World Cup participation (1991, 1993, 1995, 2005).  

 

1985

1990-1988

1991

1993–1995

2005

/OUR COACH

Álvaro Mejía

Date of Birth: January 18, 1982  
 Place of Birth: Madrid, Spain  

The Qatar Football Association appointed Spanish coach Álvaro Mejía as the U17 national team manager on January 28, 2025, on a threeyear contract. His immediate challenge will be leading Qatar in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup™, hosted in Doha from November 3–27, 2025—the first edition under the new expanded format (48 teams).  

 Playing & Coaching Career  
 Began as a defender in Real Madrid’s youth system, later playing for the first team (2004–2007, 40 appearances).  
 Played for AlShahaniya SC (2014–2020, 137 matches) before retiring.  
 Started his coaching career with AlShahaniya in 2022.  

Under Mejía’s leadership, Qatar’s U17 team aims to revive its golden era and make an impact on the global stage.

Achievements

highlights the milestones and successes attained by the team or organization over time. It showcases the dedication, hard work, and talent that have led to various victories, titles, and recognition in the football world. These achievements represent the growth and legacy of the team, reflecting the collective effort to excel and compete at the highest levels

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AFC U16 Championship

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