DOHA, Qatar – The rising stars of Portuguese football have etched their names into history, defeating a valiant Austrian side 1-0 to claim their nation’s first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup in a tense and tactical final at a vibrant Khalifa International Stadium.
The victory solidifies Portugal’s status as a youth football powerhouse, adding the global crown to their existing title as reigning European U-17 champions. In a match where fine margins decided the fate of two first-time finalists, a single, well-worked goal proved enough to separate the sides.
The decisive moment arrived in the 32nd minute, a product of the incisive, possession-based football that has become Portugal’s trademark. Following a swift, intricate passing move that sliced through the Austrian midfield, the ball was delivered across the face of the goal, where tournament standout Anisio Cabral was waiting to apply the simplest of finishes.
The goal took Cabral’s personal tally to seven for the tournament, placing him just behind Austria’s prolific Johannes Moser (8 goals) in the race for the Golden Boot. While Moser was largely kept quiet by a disciplined Portuguese defence, his team came agonizingly close to an equalizer late on.
With just five minutes remaining, Austrian substitute Daniel Frauscher entered the fray and made an immediate impact, unleashing a low, driven shot that beat the Portuguese goalkeeper but cannoned back off the post, leaving the underdogs to rue what might have been.
The final whistle sparked scenes of unbridled joy for Portugal and heartbreak for an Austrian team that had surpassed all expectations. The statistics reflected the narrowest of contests, with Austria marginally shading efforts on goal (15 to 14) and clear chances (5 to 4), but Portugal’s superior composure in the final third and resolute defending ultimately made the difference.
The 2025 edition marked a significant expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, a move championed by FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger. The former Arsenal manager was in attendance to witness the culmination of what he hailed as a resounding success.
“This tournament has been a football paradise,” Wenger stated. “We have seen the future of the game on display here, and it is incredibly bright. Our goal is to change football across the world by inspiring every federation to invest in their youth. This tournament is the proof of concept that will push everybody to make a greater effort in developing their youth systems and education.”
Earlier in the day, the third-place playoff was decided from the penalty spot after a goalless draw in normal time. Italy held their nerve to defeat Brazil 4-2 in the shootout, securing the bronze medal and a measure of consolation after their semi-final defeat to Austria. Brazil, who were beaten in a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout by Portugal in the last four, were left empty-handed despite a talented campaign.
The triumph in Doha not only delivers a first world title to Portugal at this level but also signals the arrival of a new generation of talent, with heroes like match-winner Anisio Cabral poised to lead the next wave for the senior Seleção.
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