FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025: Amajimbos Fixtures, Key Players and where to watch

The countdown is on for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, a tournament that promises to showcase the next generation of football talent on the global stage.

The competition runs from 3 November to 27 November 2025, making Qatar the center of youth football for nearly a month.

All the Amajimbos matches will be broadcast on FIFA Plus and SABC.

Here’s a complete guide to the event:

When is Amajimbos playing?

This expanded format gives young players a bigger platform to showcase their skills and provides fans with more football than ever before. For South Africa’s Amajimbos, it’s a chance to make history and inspire the next generation back home.

South Africa vs Bolivia
📅 Monday, 3 November 2025
🕒 11:30 GMT+2

South Africa vs Italy
📅 Thursday, 6 November 2025
🕒 14:45 GMT+2

South Africa vs Qatar
📅 Sunday, 9 November 2025
🕒 14:45 GMT+2

Amajimbos World Cup Squad

Cape Town City’s Emile Witbooi, recently named among The Guardian’s top 60 global talents, leads the lineup. Mamelodi Sundowns’ new goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe is expected to start between the posts.

Goalkeepers: Lwandiso Radebe, Keabetswe Morake, Sello Mokhobo

Defenders: Sive Pama, Lunje Noqobo, Liam Marthinus, Abulele Dlekedla

Midfielders: Kamohelo Mareletse, Teboho Mlangeni, Joshua Taylor

Forwards: Luke Hendricks, Selwyn Stevens, Shaun Els, Emile Witbooi, Tumi Mothapo, Neo Bohloko, Will Henson, Lebohang Dhlamini, Omphemetse Sekgoto

Amajimbos Players to Watch

Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City) – Midfielder / Left Winger

Age: 17 | Birthplace: Kimberley, Northern Cape

Recently named in The Guardian’s Next Generation Top 60, Witbooi is a dynamic playmaker with flair, vision, and technical brilliance.He starred in the CAF U17 Cup of Nations with 1 goal and 2 assists in 4 matches. Son of former pro Bradley Ralani, Witbooi blends creativity with a strong football pedigree.

𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘!

Emile Witbooi picked by the @guardian as one of the 60 best young talents in the world [from those born in 2008].

"The jury is still out on Witbooi as the full package, but everyone agrees that he might be the most entertaining African… pic.twitter.com/NhQ2EvyIMH

— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) October 16, 2025

Neo Bohloko (Kaizer Chiefs) – Centre Forward

Age: 16 | Birthplace: Soweto, Gauteng

Chiefs’ wonderkid scored 3 goals at the U17 AFCON, including a brace against Egypt. A clinical finisher with composure and movement, Bohloko has been prolific in the DStv Diski Challenge, netting 20 goals across two seasons. He’s a constant threat in the box and a key figure in South Africa’s attack.

Kamohelo Mareletse (Mamelodi Sundowns) – Midfielder / Captain

Age: 17 | Birthplace: Johannesburg, Gauteng

The heartbeat of the midfield, Mareletse is a disciplined anchor with excellent positioning and passing range. A product of the Augusto Palacios Academy, he leads by example and brings tactical intelligence to the squad. His leadership will be crucial in navigating tough group-stage matches.

Expanded Format

For the first time in history, the U-17 World Cup will feature 48 teams, up from 24 in previous editions. These teams are divided into 12 groups of four, ensuring more matches and opportunities for emerging stars to shine.

Host and Venues

All matches will be played in the Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The complex boasts eight world-class pitches designed to deliver a seamless tournament experience.

Qualification and Draw

Teams from six confederations earned their spots through continental championships. The official draw placed South Africa in Group A, alongside Bolivia, Qatar, and Italy.

Knockout Stage

After the group phase, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 32, which kicks off on 14 November. From there, it’s straight knockout action leading to the final on 27 November.