U17 World Cup: Japan vs Morocco Preview
Today, Japan faces Morocco in the opening match of Group B at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Morocco, coached by Nabil Baha, aims to start with a victory and build on their recent success, including their U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title 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)
- How to Watch: Arriyadia TNT, FIFA+
Japan Team Overview
Japan recently prepared for the tournament with a dominant 4-0 win over Australia. Their best U17 World Cup performances came in 1993 and 2011, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Key players include:
- Maki Kitahara (midfielder, FC Tokyo), noted for his attacking skills and vision for incisive passes.
- Hiroto Asada (Yokohama F. Marinos), expected to be Japan’s main offensive threat, having scored against Morocco in their last encounter in June.
Morocco Team Overview
Morocco won both preparatory matches, beating Switzerland 2-0 and Uzbekistan 4-3. Their best U17 World Cup result was in 2023, reaching the quarterfinals.
Players to watch include:
- Abdellah Ouazzane (midfielder, Ajax Youth), expected to shine following an impressive performance at U17 AFCON.
- Ziyad Baha (Calavera CF U19), likely to lead Morocco’s attack today.
Équipe du Maroc (@equipedumaroc)
This match promises a competitive display from two strong youth teams with recent international successes.
Author's summary: Japan and Morocco open Group B at the U17 World Cup, with both sides featuring key players poised to continue their teams' recent impressive international form.