FIFA U17 World Cup Group Stage Concludes

The group stage of the FIFA U17 World Cup concluded in Qatar on Monday, leaving 32 teams to advance to the knockout rounds in the tournament's first edition featuring 48 participants. Hosts Qatar failed to progress after opening with a 1-0 loss to Italy and managing only draws against South Africa and Bolivia, joining neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among those eliminated early.

The top two finishers from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, secured spots in the round of 32, which begins Friday. European champions Portugal, South American champions Brazil and defending world champions Germany all advanced comfortably, setting up intriguing early matchups. Portugal, who thrashed New Caledonia 6-1 and Morocco 6-0 in the groups, will face Belgium, who posted a 7-0 win over Fiji but fell 3-2 to Argentina. The winner advances to play either Argentina or Mexico in the round of 16. Brazil takes on Paraguay, with the victor meeting the survivor of France versus Colombia, the runners-up from their continental championships.

Africa boasts the strongest regional showing with nine teams in the knockout phase, a near-sweep of the...