U-17 World Cup: Burkina Faso and Mali in control

Burkina Faso and Mali joined surprise winners Uganda in the Round of 32 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup on Tuesday after finishing the group stage with victories.

Both teams confirmed runner-up finishes in their respective groups with 2-0 victories. Mali successfully bounced back from a defeat to Group L winners Austria with firm control against the Saudi selection, who struggled to pose an attacking threat to Les Aiglonettes.

Ndjicoura Bomba opened the scoring soon after the hour mark before Ibrahim Diakité finished off the victory six minutes later from an assist by fellow attacking starlet Seydou Dembélé. They will face Zambia in the Round of 32 on either Friday or Saturday.

Burkina Faso won their second straight in Group I after dropping their opening match, also coming on strong in the second half to win against Tajikistan.

It was not a straightforward victory against a scrappy Tajik side. Despite dominating throughout the match, Ashraf Tapsoba’s penalty kick was well saved just before halftime.

However, Cherif Barro rose to the occasion when the Burkinabe side earned another penalty kick in the 79th minute with a calm finish from the spot. Éric Ouattara finished off the victory late on to secure second place in the group and a date with Germany in the Round of 32.

Fixtures for African teams in the Round of 32 at the U-17 World Cup

To be played either on November 14 or 15 (NOTE: Uganda and Paraguay are tied on all tiebreakers in the third place teams table. Their spot in the U-17 World Cup Round of 32 will be determined by a drawing of lots)

• Mali vs Zambia
• Burkina Faso vs Germany
• Senegal vs Uganda or Paraguay (determined by drawing of lots)
• Tunisia vs Italy
• Morocco vs United States
• Egypt vs Switzerland
• South Africa vs Japan
• Uganda vs Senegal or Brazil (determined by drawing of lots)