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France secure U-17 World Cup progression in incredibly tight group

Incredibly, all four teams in France's group at the U-17 World Cup finished level on points, with Les Bleus scraping through to the knockouts as table-toppers on goal difference. Here's how Lionel Rouxel's side are getting on in Qatar.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 11/12/2025 at 12:45
3-minute read
France's players celebrate Batola's goal during the win over Chile

Incredibly, all four teams in France's group at the U-17 World Cup finished level on points, with Les Bleus scraping through to the knockouts as table-toppers on goal difference. Here's how Lionel Rouxel's side are getting on in Qatar.

A squad of notable absentees

As was the case for his colleague, Bernard Diomede, Rouxel has had to contend with some notable absentees. With the Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT seasons in full swing, many clubs have retained their players, despite the ongoing U-17 World Cup in Qatar. 

Unsurprisingly, Nantes have opted to retain Tylel Tati, who is now a starting centre-back, with Les Canaris, whilst PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye has also been retained by his club, who are fighting on multiple fronts this season. Saint-ร‰tienne's revelation, Djylian N'Guessan, has also not made the journey out to the Middle East. 

"Of course, I would have liked to have had them [with us], but these [are] players playing in Ligue 1 McDonald's and the Champions League. I don't expect to have them available," said Rouxel in the build-up to the tournament.

However, the players at his disposal have performed. Among them are Believe Munongo of Metz and Christ Batola of Troyes. Both are of the 2009 generation, but have been bumped up an age group due to their performances. 

And the latter was on the scoresheet during France's opener, a 2-0 win over Chile. He scored directly from a free-kick to open the scoring, and Lyon winger Rรฉmi Himbert then finished the job later in the second half, netting Les ร‰spoirs' second of the game.

For now, those are the only goals that France have scored in Qatar. Rouxel's side drew 0-0 against Canada before then losing 1-0 against Uganda on Tuesday; James Bogere got the only goal of a close game. It meant that, incredibly, all teams were tied on four points. France progressed by finishing first thanks to their +1 goal difference. Canada also progressed thanks to a goal difference of 0. 

Colombia next for France

"The satisfaction comes from qualifying, and from finishing first in a difficult and tight group," reacted Rouxel post-match. "The objective has been reached, but this is a big warning for us, without consequence, for sure, but all the players have to raise their game a bit more."

Next up for France is Colombia in the Round of 32, on Friday, as they look to make a repeat of the triumphs in 2004, 2015, and 2022. Ultimately, the aim is to forge careers, with Dรฉsirรฉ Douรฉ, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Mathys Tel notably part of the last title-winning squad in 2022. 

READ MORE

>> Allez Les Bleus: a look at the France squads

>> Estรฉban Lepaul: Rennes' late-bloomer lighting up Ligue 1 McDonald's

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Squads overview