2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup

The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup was the fifteenth tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.^[1] The tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates from 17 October to 8 November.^[2] Nigeria won the tournament after defeating Mexico 3–0 in the final, claiming the country's fourth title. Sweden won the bronze with a 4–1 victory over Argentina in the third-place play-off match.

2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup

كأس العالم تحت 17 سنة لكرة القدم 2013
Tournament details
Host country	United Arab Emirates
Dates	17 October – 8 November
Teams	24 (from 6 confederations)
Venue(s)	6 (in 6 host cities)
Final positions
Champions	Nigeria (4th title)
Runners-up	Mexico
Third place	Sweden
Fourth place	Argentina
Tournament statistics
Matches played	52
Goals scored	172 (3.31 per match)
Attendance	318,108 (6,117 per match)
Top scorer(s)	Valmir Berisha (7 goals)
Best player(s)	Kelechi Iheanacho
Best goalkeeper	Dele Alampasu
Fair play award	Nigeria
← 2011 2015 →

Players born after 1 January 1996 could participate in this tournament.

There were two official bids:

•   United Arab Emirates
•   Ghana^[1]

In June 2012, FIFA selected the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium in Al Ain, the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Al-Rashid Stadium in Dubai, the Emirates Club Stadium in Ras al-Khaimah and the Fujairah Club Stadium in the state of Fujairah as venues.^[3] The use of Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah was initially proposed,^[4] and it was finally selected as a venue, in September 2012.^[5] Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium replaced Al Nahyan Stadium of Abu Dhabi and hosted the final.^[6]

In addition to host nation United Arab Emirates, 23 nations qualified from six separate continental competitions.

Teams had to name a 21-man squad (three of whom must be goalkeepers) by the FIFA deadline.^[7]

The final draw for group stage was held on 26 August 2013 in Abu Dhabi at the Bab Al Bahr Hotel at 19:00 (local time).^[8][9]

Prior to the draw, FIFA announced that as host, the United Arab Emirates would be placed as 'A1', to assist with ticket sales.^[10] The continental champions of the confederations AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and UEFA are assigned to the other five groups. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn against each other at the group stage.

The logo of the competition was unveiled on 5 March 2013, including the local organising committee asking Omar Abdulrahman to be a 'brand ambassador' for this event.^[11]

'Stadium package' tickets for the Tournament went on sale on 26 June, with the ability to buy tickets per match once the draw has been made.^[12]

A falcon known as 'Shaqran' will be the mascot for the World Cup, after being introduced to local journalists on 13 May .^[13]

The winners and runners-up from each group, as well as the best four third-placed teams, qualified for the first round of the knockout stage (round of 16).^[14]

The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:

1. points obtained in all group matches;
2. goal difference in all group matches;
3. number of goals scored in all group matches;

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings are determined as follows:

1. points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
2. goal difference in the group matches between the teams concerned;
3. number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;
4. drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.

All times are local, UTC+04:00.^[15]

The four best teams among those ranked third are determined as follows:^[14]

1. points obtained in all group matches;
2. goal difference in all group matches;
3. number of goals scored in all group matches;
4. drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.

In the knockout stages, if a match is level at the end of normal playing time, no extra time will be played, with the match to be determined by a penalty shoot-out.^[14]

Top scorers after the end of the tournament this year.^[16]

7 goals

•   Valmir Berisha

6 goals

5 goals

4 goals

3 goals

2 goals

1 goal

1 own goal

•   Duje Ćaleta-Car (playing against Uzbekistan)
•   Érick Aguirre (playing against Nigeria)
•   Linus Wahlqvist (playing against Japan)

• FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013, FIFA.com
• FIFA Technical Report