The Portugal U-17 national football team has etched its name into history, securing their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2025. Their momentous victory came after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Austria in the final match, which was held in Qatar. This tournament marked a significant milestone, as it was played under a new format that expanded the number of participating teams to 48, mirroring the senior World Cup structure. For European U-17 teams, the top three finishers in this year’s competition also earned berths in future tournaments.
The decisive goal for Portugal was netted by Anisio Cabral, a promising young striker from SL Benfica. Cabral capitalized on a well-placed pass from a teammate in the 32nd minute of the first half, ultimately securing the championship for his nation. This goal was Cabral’s seventh of the tournament, a remarkable individual achievement. Despite his significant contribution, the tournament’s Golden Boot award, given to the top scorer, went to Austria’s Johannes Moser, who concluded the competition with an impressive eight goals.
This historic triumph represents Portugal’s first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy. Beyond the on-field action, this edition of the tournament saw significant changes implemented by FIFA, including the expansion to 48 teams for the first time. Furthermore, FIFA announced a modification to the competition’s frequency, shifting it from a quadrennial event to a biennial one, aiming to provide more regular developmental opportunities for young talent.
In the third-place playoff, the Italy U-17 team emerged victorious against Brazil. Following a goalless 90 minutes, Italy secured the bronze medal by winning the penalty shootout 4-2, showcasing their resilience. Earlier in the semi-finals, Italy had been defeated 2-0 by eventual finalists Austria, while Portugal advanced to the final by overcoming Brazil in another tense penalty shootout, winning 6-5 after their semi-final match also ended 0-0.
Looking at the tournament’s history, Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, having lifted the trophy a record five times since its inception in 1985. Brazil follows with four titles, while Mexico and Ghana have each won it twice. Other nations that have claimed the championship once include the Soviet Union, France, Switzerland, England, Germany, and now, Portugal. Qatar is set to continue hosting the tournament for several more editions, with its hosting rights extending until 2029.
