DOHA - Qatar’s U-17 national football team wrapped up their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Bolivia on Saturday at Mansour Muftah Stadium in Aspire, in the third and final round of Group A fixtures at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which continues until November 27.

In the same group, Italy cemented their top spot with a 3-1 victory over South Africa, raising their tally to nine points. South Africa followed with four points, while Qatar finished third with two, and Bolivia ended the stage without a point.

The match saw a balanced contest, though Qatar started brightly with high pressing and swift transitions down the flanks—particularly through Zaid Faisal and Tamim Al Qadi—creating several promising opportunities in the first half.

Qatar nearly took the lead within the opening minute when Tamim Al Qadi’s cross from the left deflected off a defender and found Adam Riyadh, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by the Bolivian goalkeeper.

Bolivia replied in the 19th minute with a curling strike from Nassif Nabil that drifted narrowly over the bar. Qatar continued to press, as Yazan Hani unleashed a powerful shot from inside the box that was superbly saved by goalkeeper Jovia Geronimo in the 30th minute, before Adam Riyadh’s header went just over. Despite Qatar’s dominance in attack, the first half ended without goals.

After the restart, Qatar intensified their pursuit of a winner. Zaid Faisal hit the right post in the 51st minute and later missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 62nd minute. Substitute Issa Waleed also came close near the end, but his shot was deflected for a corner, sealing a goalless stalemate at full time.

This year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup marks a historic edition, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The participants are divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group alongside the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.