An expanded Under-17 Men’s World Cup begins this week, the first of five consecutive competitions hosted in Qatar.
The field of 48 teams includes the United States, which called up a squad consisting primarily of players born in 2008. It’s a very talented team heading to the Aspire Academy, which is set to host the competition over the next month.
Results are secondary in any youth World Cup, though a strong showing should help players bolster their resume to either contribute more in their MLS club or as a showcase to move abroad.
Preview the tournament from a U.S. perspective below.
