Nigeria, Brazil dominate FIFA U-17 World Cup winners list

The FIFA U-17 World Cup is an international men's youth football tournament contested by the under-17 national teams of the member associations of FIFA. 

Founded as FIFA U-16 World Championship, the biennial tournament was later changed to its contemporary name in 2007.

Inspired by the Lion City Cup that was founded by the Football Association of Singapore in 1977, FIFA created the FIFA U-16 World Championship under the recommendation of then secretary-general Sepp Blatter.

Nigeria won the inaugural edition of the tournament held in China in 1985. The young Super Eagles defeated West Germany 2-0 in the final in Beijing.

In 1991, FIFA later raised the age limit of male players in the marquee youth football tournament from 16 to 17.

Germany are the defending champions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. They defeated France on penalties in the 2023 final in Indonesia to clinch their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with four five titles.

The likes of Ghana and Mexico have won the FIFA U-17 World Cup two times each.

France, Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and England have clinched the title once each. 

The 2021 edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The tournament later returned after four long years in Indonesia, making it the first time that the country hosted a FIFA tournament and also the first time that the FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in Southeast Asia. Get FIFA U-17 World Cup winners list.

FIFA U-17 World Cup winners list

Most successful teams in FIFA U-17 World Cup: By each country

Photo credit: Alamy