skip to main content

Republic of Ireland set for Brazil clash at U17 World Cup

ireland u17s
Ireland qualified after a 7-0 win over Slovakia

The Republic of Ireland U-17 side will play four-time champions Brazil, Costa Rica and Tanzania following the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Qatar.

The side sealed their spot at the World Cup following March's 7-0 win over Slovakia, and performances over the last five tournaments saw them placed in Pot 2 for the draw.

The 48-team tournament will be held from 19 November to 13 December.

With teams unable to be placed in the same group as teams from the same confederations, by the time Ireland were drawn out they already knew that they had a glamour tie with Brazil to look forward to in Group I.

Brazil have won the tournament four times previously, in 1997, Ronaldinho helping them to their first title, 1999, 2003 and 2019.

They will be first up for Ireland on 21 November.

Costa Rica qualified after topping their CONCACAF group, as they prepare for their 12th appearance at the tournament. Ireland will play them on 24 November.

Tanzania, meanwhile, are making their first-ever appearance at the U17 World Cup. A 3-0 win over Angola in May sealed their spot. They will play Ireland in the final group game on 26 November.

All group fixtures will take place at the Aspire Zone in Doha.

Holders Portugal failed to qualify. They lost all three qualifiers by a single goal.

In last year's event, also in Qatar, Colin O’Brien - no longer with the FAI – made it to the Round of 16 where they lost out to Switzerland.

Watch the Women's Champions League final, Barcelona v Lyon, on Saturday from 4.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Read Next