UNDER-17 REGGAE Boyz coach Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler is today a happy man after the FIFA Council, last week, confirmed U17 World Cup will be expanded from 24 to 48 teams.
The expansion will also include an increase in the number of spots for the Women’s U17 World Cup, which moves from 16 to 24 teams.
The impact on Concacaf World Cup spots at the under-17 level is immense, with the region now earning eight berths among the men and four among the women.
The U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to expand from 16 to 24 teams which will see CONCACAF have 4 spots for World Cup Qualifying.
“I am honoured to lead the next generation of Jamaican footballers as we embark on this journey towards the U17 World Cup. With hard work, dedication, and strategic planning, I am confident that we can build a competitive team that will make Jamaica proud,” said Butler.
Jamaica Football Federation Technical Committee chairman, Rudolph Speid, also welcomed the impending expansions.
“This decision by FIFA is a game-changer for the CONCACAF region. Traditionally, powerhouses have dominated and secured most of the spots, leaving less developed national teams with limited opportunities to qualify. By increasing the number of spots, FIFA is promoting competitiveness and providing a platform for more teams to qualify. This move will not only enhance the quality of football programmes but also contribute to the overall development of football in CONCACAF, ensuring a brighter future for the region,” said Speid.
The U17 World Cup for men and women, starting in 2025, will be held annually. The U17 women’s tournaments from 2025 to 2029 will be held in Morocco while the men’s equivalent will be staged in Qatar.
Other areas that were discussed at the FIFA Council was an introduction of a FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup which starts in 2025. Discussions surrounding a FIFA Women’s Club World Cup also began.
View the discussion thread.
