Fiji, New Caledonia And New Zealand Find Out Their Opponents For FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup

OFC champions New Zealand have been drawn in Group L alongside Mali, Austria and Saudi Arabia for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in Qatar in November.

Martin Bullock’s side defeated Fiji in the final of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti last year. Fiji coached by Sunil Kumar, have been handed a difficult draw, pitted against South American powerhouse Argentina, European giants Belgium and North African side Tunisia.

New Caledonia who finished third at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship to clinch Oceania’s final spot, have also drawn some heavyweight opponents, facing Japan, Morocco and Portugal in Group B.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams with 12 groups of four. The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will qualify for the Round of 32. From the Round of 32 onwards, the tournament will be played in a knockout format.

The tournament runs from the third to 27th November in Qatar.

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