By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Qatar, 28 November 2025 - Portugal’s under-17 national team have been crowned world champions after a historic 1–0 victory over Austria in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 final.
The triumph, secured at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, delivers Portugal their first-ever U17 world title and confirms this group as one of the most exciting generations in the country’s recent football history.
The final was decided by a clinical strike from Benfica forward Anísio Cabral, who found the net in the 32nd minute after a slick move down Portugal’s left flank.
Austria pushed hard for an equaliser and came agonisingly close late on, hitting the post in the closing minutes, but Portugal’s disciplined back line held firm to preserve the narrow lead.
Portugal’s road to the title showcased a blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation that has become an identity of their youth teams.
Entering the tournament as European U17 champions, they carried that momentum onto the global stage, navigating a 48-team format that demanded consistency and depth.
A dramatic penalty shootout win over Brazil in the semifinals underlined their mental resilience, while Italy’s victory over Brazil in the third-place match completed a European sweep of the podium.
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Individually, the tournament elevated several Portuguese prospects into the global spotlight.
Cabral finished with seven goals, just one behind Austria’s Johannes Moser, who claimed the Golden Boot, underlining how central the Portuguese striker was to his side’s attacking threat.
Midfielder Mateus Mide, meanwhile, earned recognition among the standout performers, with his creativity and control in the middle of the park.
Beyond the immediate celebrations, this title is being hailed as a landmark for Portuguese football development.
It ends decades of near-misses at U17 World Cups and comes after several failed qualification cycles, signalling that recent investment in academies and youth coaching is bearing fruit.
As the first champions of an expanded 48-team U17 World Cup, Portugal’s youngsters have not only lifted a trophy but also set a new benchmark for future generations to follow.
