Fiji faces a challenging journey in the group stage of the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup, set to take place in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2024. The team, coached by Sunil Kumar, has been drawn into Group D, where they will compete against formidable opponents including Argentina, Belgium, and Tunisia.
This tournament marks a significant milestone for Fiji, who secured their place after reaching the finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, where they were narrowly defeated by New Zealand. The Oceanic champions, New Zealand, will also encounter stiff competition, having been placed in Group L alongside Mali, Austria, and Saudi Arabia.
New Caledonia, another competitor from Oceania, faces a tough draw in Group B, competing against Japan, Morocco, and Portugal. The World Cup has expanded to include 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to a knockout stage starting with the Round of 32.
Fiji’s progress to the World Cup signifies not only an achievement for the team but also highlights the growing soccer talent in the region. The competition in Qatar will provide invaluable experience for the young athletes as they seek to showcase their skills on a global stage. As excitement builds around the tournament, fans are eager to support their national team and witness their journey against some of the best talents in world football.
Additionally, locals can tune in to Radio Fiji Two for live commentary of the matches, further amplifying community involvement and support for the team as they step into this prestigious event.
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