A first-half strike from Anísio Cabral delivered Portugal’s maiden global triumph at the U-17 level, completing a historic 2025 double.
Qatar | By Sayer Zaland
Portugal claimed their first FIFA U-17 World Cup title after defeating Austria 1–0 in a tense final at Khalifa International Stadium, adding to their earlier UEFA U-17 championship and sealing a remarkable year for the nation’s youth football system.
Cabral scored the decisive goal midway through the first half, finishing off a flowing Portuguese move to register his seventh goal of the tournament. Only Austria’s Johannes Moser, winner of the adidas Golden Boot with eight goals, finished ahead of him on the scoring charts.
Austria, appearing in their first-ever FIFA final at any age category, showed the resilience that defined their campaign. Daniel Frauscher came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 85th minute when his powerful effort struck the inside of the post. Earlier, forward Hasan Deshishku had threatened twice, both times denied by sharp stops from Portugal goalkeeper Romario Cunha.
Cunha delivered one of the performances of the tournament, notably tipping a close-range header from Ifeanyi Ndukwe over the bar to preserve Portugal’s advantage. Despite late Austrian pressure, the Portuguese side held firm until the final whistle to secure a historic breakthrough on the world stage.
Portugal’s victory caps a landmark year for the country’s youth programs, which now hold both European and world titles at U-17 level. Austria’s run to the final marks the nation’s most significant achievement in global football, highlighting the rapid development of their youth talent pipeline and tactical identity.