U17 World Cup: Japan vs Morocco Preview
Today, Japan faces Morocco in the opening Group B match of the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Morocco, coached by Nabil Baha, aims to start strong following their U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory earlier this year.
Match Details
- Competition: 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup – Group B Matchday 1
- Venue: Aspire Zone – Pitch 5 Stadium, Doha, Qatar
- Referee: Andrea Colombo (Italy)
- Broadcast: Arriyadia TNT, FIFA+
Team Form and Key Players
Japan
Japan prepared well, recently beating Australia 4-0. Their best U17 World Cup performances came in 1993 and 2011 when they reached the quarterfinals. Key players include midfielder Maki Kitahara (FC Tokyo), known for his attacking style and precise passing, and Hiroto Asada (Yokohama F. Marinos), who scored against Morocco in their last meeting in June.
Morocco
Morocco won two warm-up matches 2-0 against Switzerland and 4-3 versus Uzbekistan. Their best U17 World Cup result was reaching the quarter-finals in 2023. Notable players to watch are midfielder Abdellah Ouazzane (Ajax Youth), who enjoyed an impressive U17 AFCON, and forward Ziyad Baha (Calavera CF U19), expected to lead Morocco's attack.
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Author's summary: This eagerly anticipated U17 World Cup clash pits Japan’s balanced attack against Morocco’s dynamic form, setting up a thrilling Group B opener.