Ireland Discover Opponents For FIFA U17 World Cup

May 21, 2026 / LOI Talk / Comments Off on Ireland Discover Opponents For FIFA U17 World Cup

Republic of Ireland U17s have been drawn into Group I alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Tanzania for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar following today’s draw.

The Republic of Ireland Under-17s have discovered their opponents for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup following today’s draw in Doha.

Colin O’Brien’s side were drawn alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Venezuela in Group I as the Boys in Green prepare for this year’s tournament in Qatar.

Ireland secured qualification for the competition earlier this year following an impressive elite round campaign, including a dominant 7-0 victory over Slovakia. Ireland came into today’s draw in Pot 2 meaning they would face a side from pots 1,3 and 4.

Ireland’s squad for the elite round qualification campaign also featured a strong League of Ireland presence, with players from Shamrock Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians, Cork City, Shelbourne and Dundalk all represented in Colin O’Brien’s panel.

The League of Ireland contingent included Shamrock Rovers trio Maxim Afonin, Danny Burke and Tadgh Prizeman, while St. Patrick’s Athletic had four representatives in Darragh Brunton, Ryan Sheridan, Jason Spelman and Kian Quigley.

Bohemians pair Josh Harpur and Hugh Martin were also included alongside Cork City duo Tom McGrath and Cillian Murphy, Shelbourne forward Joey Ikala Wuna and Dundalk defender Sean Spaight.

How Does The FIFA U17 World Cup Format Work?

The tournament features 48 nations split into 12 groups of four.

The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance into the Round of 32 before the competition moves into a straight knockout format.

Qatar will once again host the tournament after FIFA awarded the country hosting rights from 2025 to 2029.

Colin O’Brien’s side captured the heart of the nation last year when they made it all the way to the Round of 16 when they were defeated 3-1 by Switzerland.

Pot 1 side in Ireland’s group Brazil, made it all the way to the semi final’s last time out when they went out on penalties to eventual winners Portugal while also losing on penalties to Italy in the third place playoff.

Pot 3 side Costa Rica finished in 3rd place in their group with Senegal, Croatia and the United Arab Emirates. And pot 4 side Tanzania will make their U17 World Cup Debut.

Ireland will now begin preparations for the tournament in Qatar as they look to make another statement on the international stage following qualification earlier this year.

The full fixture schedule and kick-off times are expected to be confirmed following completion of the draw.

Posted in ,

LOI Talk