The Football Association of Ireland has congratulated the Ireland Men's Under-17s following their historic qualification to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The squad, which includes Galway United striker Cillian Tollett, secured their spot for the tournament in Qatar after finishing as one of the four best-placed runners-up in their UEFA U17 European Championship qualifying campaign. Colin O'Brien's squad confirmed their place in the showpiece event following a 5-0 victory over Iceland that came on the back of a 2-0 win against Poland and a narrow loss to Belgium in their Elite Round qualifiers. While they missed out on reaching the European Championships, they will be one of 11 European teams competing in the World Cup. The squad were welcomed back into Dublin Airport on Wednesday following their games in Poland and will now look ahead to preparing for the tournament in November.
FAI President Paul Cooke said: "On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I'd like to congratulate the players and staff involved with the Ireland Men's Under-17s on qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. This is a magnificent achievement and one that this squad fully deserves. "This is significant in the development of these players, as they prepare to test themselves against the best in the world, but also for Irish football as it will help to inspire a whole new generation of kids who dream of representing their country on the international stage."
FAI CEO David Courell said: "Huge congratulations to the players and staff with our Ireland Men's Under-17s on their qualification for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. They have done themselves and the country proud in achieving this qualification. "All of the hard work put in over the course of their season has led to this, but another significant factor is all of the hard work done by coaches, administrators and volunteers at the Grassroots and EA SPORTS League of Ireland Academy clubs who have helped these players along the way. Well done to all involved."
FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham said: "The qualification of our Ireland Men's Under-17s to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a fantastic accomplishment and congratulations to all of the players and staff on being the first Ireland men's team to achieve this. "One of the most pleasing aspects of this qualification is that 16 of the 20 players involved in the squad are currently, or have previously been, with EA SPORTS League of Ireland Academy clubs. This shows the good work being done by the clubs and also the potential of what we can all achieve to aid the development of our high potential players."
Ireland MU17 Squad
Goalkeepers: George Moloney (Southampton), Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers).
Defenders: Billy Canny (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Vincent Leonard (Dundalk), Oisin McDonagh (Venezia), Finn Sherlock (Hoffenheim), Ade Solanke (FC Lorient).
Midfielders: Rory Finneran (Newcastle United), Billy Hayes (St Patrick’s Athletic), Ramon Martos (UD Almeria), Gavin McAteer (Finn Harps), Kian McMahon Brown (Burnley), Grady McDonnell (Club Brugge), Oskar Skoubo Keely (Bohemians).
Forwards: Charles Akinrintayo (Shamrock Rovers), Brody Lee (Shamrock Rovers), Billy O’Neill (Bray Wanderers), Victor Ozhianvuna (Shamrock Rovers), Cillian Tollett (Galway United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica).
Staff: Colin O'Brien, Ian Hill, Josh Moran, John Cotter, Shane Nolan, Ravi Kumar, Mark Cornish, Gary Power, Aoibh Hall
