Mali will begin their seventh FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on 20 November, with the African side viewed as strong contenders to progress from a Group G also containing Belgium and Vietnam.
The Aiglons have been drawn alongside Belgium, Vietnam and New Zealand in Qatar, and their group is considered favourable as they pursue qualification for the second round. Mali’s record in youth football makes them one of Africa’s leading representatives at this level, while their experience of competing on the world stage adds weight to their ambitions.
Their opening fixture is against New Zealand and is scheduled for 13:30 on 20 November. Mali will hope to make a positive start before facing Belgium three days later in what is expected to be the group’s decisive match.
The meeting with Belgium, at 15:30 on 23 November, could determine which team finishes at the top of Group G. Both sides are regarded as the main contenders to lead the section, making the second-round implications of the fixture particularly significant.
Mali will complete their first-round programme against Vietnam on 26 November. That match is due to begin at 13:00 and will provide the Aiglons with a final opportunity to secure their place in the next stage.
Mali’s presence in Qatar continues a strong tradition in African youth development. They have built a reputation for producing competitive teams at under-17 level and now return to the tournament with the prospect of advancing from a group in which they are not expected to face major resistance.
The team’s route through the opening stage is therefore clearly defined: take advantage of the opening fixture against New Zealand, measure themselves against Belgium in the group’s key contest and finish against Vietnam with qualification potentially at stake.
Mali’s Group G fixtures
- 20 November, 13:30: Mali v New Zealand - 23 November, 15:30: Mali v Belgium - 26 November, 13:00: Vietnam v Mali