Record Performances Mark CONCACAF U-17 Qualifiers
This year’s CONCACAF U-17 qualifiers had no shortage of big moments, wild scorelines, and standout performances. With the dust finally settling, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Haiti have punched their tickets to join the world’s best at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. They round out a strong set of eight CONCACAF teams, joining the United States, Panama, El Salvador, and host nation Qatar in next year’s main event.
Let’s talk about Canada. They didn’t just qualify; they made a statement. Smashing in 28 goals across the tournament, the Canadian youth squad broke their own record set back in 1992. Their fiery 7-1 win over Bermuda turned heads, especially thanks to Aidan Evans, who scored four times in a single match. This goal spree wasn’t just a pad to the stats — it shows the evolution of Canada’s youth program, which has struggled for consistency on the world stage in the past. After this display, hope is soaring for a deep run when the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.
Elsewhere in Group A, Curaçao made noise with a 4-2 takedown of Anguilla. Jerremy Ortela stole the show, notching two early assists and scoring himself before halftime. D’Shawn Anastacia sealed the deal late in the second half, showing that Curaçao can be a tricky opponent even if they didn’t book a World Cup ticket this time.
Consistent Excellence from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Haiti
Costa Rica showed their familiar mix of discipline and flair. With ten points gathered over four matches, their defense held strong — only conceding two goals — and the attack wasn’t far behind with 21 put in the net. That’s lightning on both ends of the pitch. Since their last U-17 World Cup appearance in 2017, fans have been craving a return. Now, the Ticos come in with real momentum as they try to replicate (or better) their historical quarterfinal finishes.
Mexico and Haiti each topped their groups, steady from start to finish. The details of their group matches might be under wraps for now, but group leadership speaks for itself. Mexico never really misses a youth World Cup, but the big story here might be Haiti. Their previous best, a historic third-place qualifying finish way back in 2007, could be in the team’s sights as they barrel towards Qatar with fresh energy. For a country where sport can sometimes be an escape from daily worries, this new chance carries extra weight.
This qualifying cycle wasn’t just about the favorites. Younger players were out to make their mark, new rivalries sparked, and every coach had to adjust on the fly. While Bermuda tasted a heavy defeat to Canada, and Anguilla struggled to hold back Curaçao’s attack, both nations will look to regroup and rethink youth development ahead of the next cycle.
Now, eight CONCACAF nations stand ready to take on the world in Qatar. There’s no telling who’ll become the next breakout star, but after this round, we know one thing for sure: the region is bursting with talent and hungry for global respect.