OFC champions New Zealand have been drawn in Group L alongside Mali, Austria, and Saudi Arabia for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in Qatar in November.
Martin Bullock’s side defeated Fiji in the final of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Tahiti last year. Fiji coached by Sunil Kumar, have been handed a difficult draw, pitted against South American powerhouse Argentina, European giants Belgium and North African side Tunisia in Group D.
New Caledonia who finished third at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship to clinch Oceania’s final spot, have also drawn some heavyweight opponents in Group B, Asian giants Japan, Morocco and European starlets Portugal.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams with 12 groups of four. The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will qualify for the Round of 32. From the Round of 32 onwards, the tournament will be played in a knockout format.
The tournament runs from the third to 27th November in Qatar.
(Photo Credit Ryan Maternini/FIFA)