Belgium made a confident start to the second group stage with a 2–1 victory over Iceland. Christopher Leroy proved decisive, striking twice early in the second half after Iceland captain Helgi Sigurjonsson had briefly levelled the match. The Belgians controlled slightly more possession and created the better chances, with goalkeeper Bellamy Poncelet earning the man-of-the-match award.

The result places Belgium at the top of the group after the opening round, while Iceland face immediate pressure heading into their next match. South Africa, who finished strongly in the previous stage, are still to play and could dramatically alter the standings when they face Belgium next.

With only two teams progressing and the third side eliminated, Iceland now know that their final match against South Africa may become a decisive battle for survival.

Netherlands began their campaign with a narrow but valuable 1–0 victory over Bolivia. The Dutch needed patience to break down a resilient Bolivian side before substitute Duco Aarts struck the winning goal in the 66th minute.

Despite Bolivia enjoying slightly more possession and creating several chances, the Netherlands remained composed defensively and held on for all three points. Veteran goalkeeper and captain Kees Idema was named man of the match after an assured performance.

The result leaves the Netherlands leading the group after the opening fixture, while Bolivia must now recover quickly when they face Ireland. Ireland, yet to play in this stage, will enter the group knowing that a strong result in their first match could completely reshape the standings.

The opening match in Group C ended in a tense stalemate as Bangladesh and Austria played out a 0–0 draw. Bangladesh dominated possession for long stretches but struggled to convert that control into clear scoring chances.

Austria, meanwhile, relied on disciplined defending and occasional counterattacks, with goalkeeper Nicolas Kirschner delivering a strong performance to secure the clean sheet. Defender Werner Czerny ultimately earned the man-of-the-match honors for his defensive work.

The draw leaves both sides level on one point while Algeria have yet to enter the group. The next round will see Austria face Algeria, a match that could determine early control of the group. With only two teams progressing and one eliminated, every point already looks vital.

United States and Russia shared the points in a hard-fought 1–1 draw to open Group D. Russia appeared set to claim victory after Denis Oskolkov gave them the lead midway through the second half, capitalizing on their strong control of possession.

The United States refused to concede defeat, however, and found a dramatic equalizer when Roderick Woods scored in the 87th minute. Despite spending much of the match under pressure, the Americans’ late strike secured a valuable point.

Goalkeeper Aleksei Eprev earned man-of-the-match honors for Russia, highlighting the defensive efforts that kept the game tightly contested. Hosts Montenegro now enter the group with both rivals tied on points, meaning their upcoming match against Russia could prove crucial.

India made a powerful statement in Group E with a convincing 2–0 victory over defending champions Slovenia. Aryaman Rai was the star of the match, scoring twice to give India an early advantage in the group.

The Indian side controlled the game effectively and converted their chances with clinical finishing, while Slovenia struggled to turn their possession into meaningful opportunities. Defender Sankarshan Joshi’s commanding performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.

The result leaves Slovenia under immediate pressure ahead of their meeting with Germany, while India sit alone at the top of the group after the first round. With Germany still to play their opening match, the next fixtures could quickly determine which team risks early elimination.

Serbia opened Group F with a narrow but important 1–0 victory against Switzerland. The decisive moment came shortly after halftime when Bogdan Radosevic found the net in the 49th minute.

Although Switzerland controlled more possession and produced several attempts on goal, Serbia’s defensive organization held firm. Goalkeeper Veselin Cirjak delivered a standout performance, earning the man-of-the-match award and preserving the clean sheet.

The win gives Serbia an early advantage in the group, while Switzerland must now recover when they face Denmark. Denmark, who have yet to play in this stage, could dramatically reshape the standings depending on their performance in the next round.

Brazil and Romania played out an evenly balanced 1–1 draw in the opening match of Group G. Romania struck first when Jean Mindeac scored late in the first half, giving the former champions an early edge.

Brazil responded in the second half after a penalty converted by Bordaberry Amaral brought the sides level. The remainder of the match remained tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find a decisive winner.

Romanian captain Costin Spiridon earned the man-of-the-match award for his leadership and defensive performance. With both teams level on points, Latvia now enter the group knowing their opening match against Romania could play a key role in shaping the standings.

Reigning world champions Poland began the stage with a composed 2–0 victory over Scotland. Stanislaw Zygmunt opened the scoring just before halftime before Marcin Sulikowski added a second goal midway through the second half.

The Polish side displayed their typical efficiency, converting key chances while maintaining solid defensive discipline. Scotland saw more possession during parts of the match but struggled to create dangerous opportunities.

Defender Andrzej Dzierwa was named man of the match after a commanding display at the back. The victory puts Poland in control of the group early, while Scotland will need a strong response when they face Malta. With only two teams progressing, the margin for error is already beginning to shrink.

Chile made a strong opening statement in Group A, defeating Belgium 2–1 to take early control of the section. Rodrigo Gigena Figueroa and Javier Figueroa Chaile found the net for the South Americans, while Tristan Diaz De Loria earned man of the match honors in an energetic performance. Belgium had slightly more possession but struggled to turn it into chances, managing only three shots on target.

The result puts Chile in an excellent position ahead of the remaining matches. England, who reached the last sixteen in the previous tournament and were runners-up in World Cup 25, are yet to play and could immediately reshape the group when they face Belgium next. The Belgians, champions in World Cup 28, are now under pressure — another defeat would leave them dangerously close to elimination. With only two teams advancing, the remaining fixtures promise a tense battle for survival.

Group B opened with fireworks as Norway and Austria produced a thrilling 3–3 draw. Norway struck early through Kare Bakk and added goals from Morten Soemme and Bakk again, but Austria repeatedly fought back, with Marcello Satzinger scoring twice and Henrik Schopf adding another. The Austrian forward’s performance earned him man of the match recognition.

Both teams share the lead with one point, leaving Ireland as the only side yet to play. The Irish reached the quarterfinals in World Cup 29 and will now enter a group that already looks finely balanced. Austria carry historic pedigree with a third-place finish in World Cup 22, while Norway once finished fourth earlier in the competition’s history. With attacking quality already on display, the next round could quickly decide which team takes control — and which risks finishing bottom of the group.

Brazil opened Group C with a narrow but important 2–1 victory over defending champions Slovenia. Elizeu Lessa gave Brazil the lead before Slovenia equalized almost immediately through captain Andrej Daum. The decisive moment came in the second half when V. Ligeirinho converted a penalty to secure the win. Goalkeeper Sabino Nery was named man of the match after an outstanding performance.

Brazil, winners of World Cup 29, now lead the group with three points. Slovenia — champions in the previous cycle and one of the most decorated teams in tournament history — face immediate pressure ahead of their next match against the Czech Republic. The Czechs have yet to play and could dramatically influence the standings. With Slovenia already defeated once, the defending champions cannot afford another setback if they want to remain in the tournament.

Italy took an early step toward qualification with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Slovakia. The match remained tightly contested until Pasquale Cappalletto broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, giving Italy all three points. Goalkeeper Galtero Bianchi delivered a solid performance and was named man of the match.

The result leaves Slovakia in a difficult position, while Moldova enter the group still to play. Italy, whose best finish remains a quarterfinal appearance in World Cup 11, now sit atop the standings and will face Moldova next. Slovakia must respond quickly when they meet Moldova in the final round, as the last-place team in the group will be eliminated. With only two matches remaining, even a single goal could prove decisive in this tightly balanced group.

Poland began Group E in dominant fashion, defeating the Netherlands 4–2 in an entertaining contest. Daniel Szczepaniak led the way with two goals and earned man of the match honors, while Boleslaw Wejman and Marek Lewocki also found the net. The Dutch managed late resistance through Tomas Palsma and O. Roemeling but could not close the gap.

The victory reinforces Poland’s reputation as one of the tournament’s most successful nations, with four titles and a runner-up finish in the previous World Cup. The Netherlands, former champions themselves, now face immediate pressure as they prepare to meet Argentina. Argentina reached the quarterfinals in the last cycle and will now play their first match of the group. With two strong football nations still chasing Poland, Group E remains wide open heading into the second round.

Sweden edged Hungary 1–0 in a tightly contested Group F opener. Isac Karlsson’s goal early in the second half proved decisive, while Christoffer Gunnarsson was named man of the match after a strong defensive performance. Hungary actually created more chances, recording eighteen shots, but struggled to convert their opportunities.

The result places Sweden in the early lead, while Hungary must now recover to avoid elimination. Montenegro, who reached the quarterfinals in World Cup 21, are yet to enter the competition and will face Sweden next. Hungary, quarterfinalists in the previous World Cup, still have the quality to recover but will need a positive result in their final match. With just two games remaining for each team, the margin for error in Group F is already extremely small.

Romania and Iceland shared the points in a lively 2–2 draw to open Group G. Iceland struck first through Björgolfur Magnusson before Romania responded with goals from Constantin Munteanu and Andrei Georgescu. Iceland captain A. Hakonarson later equalized to secure the draw, while Bjarki Bjarnason was named man of the match.

Both teams now sit on one point, leaving Peru — who reached the last sixteen in the previous World Cup — as the only side yet to play. Romania bring significant historical pedigree to the competition, having won the tournament multiple times, including World Cup 25. Iceland reached the last sixteen in the previous cycle and showed resilience to earn a point here. With the standings still perfectly balanced, Peru’s opening match could immediately determine the direction of the group.

Thailand produced one of the tournament’s biggest early surprises by defeating Denmark 3–2 in a dramatic opening match. Denmark initially led through Kai Klindt and captain H. Pedersen, but Thailand mounted a late comeback with goals from Suphasawas Ratamahawong and Rerngwut Sriharuksa. Goalkeeper Burachat Rungsamaithong delivered an outstanding performance and was named man of the match.

The victory places Thailand at the top of the group and continues the momentum from their impressive fourth-place finish in World Cup 29. Denmark, runners-up in World Cup 23, now face immediate pressure heading into their final match against Turkey. The hosts, who finished third in the previous World Cup, are still to play and could quickly change the dynamics of the group. With only one team set to be eliminated, the remaining fixtures promise a tense conclusion.

Defending champions Slovenia began their title defense with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lithuania, placing them in early control of Group A. Goals from Jaka Kumersek and Leon Kostajnsek gave Slovenia a decisive first-half advantage before Lithuania captain P. Sakalauskas reduced the deficit.

Despite holding only 37% possession, Slovenia proved more clinical in front of goal. Midfielder Kumersek, who scored the opener and earned man of the match honors, was instrumental in the defending champions’ efficient performance.

Lithuania now face a crucial encounter against Iceland. The Baltic side must avoid defeat to remain in contention, while Iceland enter the group fresh and capable of dramatically reshaping the standings. Slovenia, meanwhile, will look to secure qualification when they meet Iceland in the final group fixture.

Two-time champions Netherlands made an emphatic start to their campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Croatia at Sunny Arena. Midfielder Bruno Daniels struck twice, while A. Van Dam added another as the Dutch controlled the match with 68% possession.

Goalkeeper Maurits Velleman was named man of the match after preserving the clean sheet despite Croatia generating more shots overall. The result places the Netherlands firmly at the top of the group heading into the second round of fixtures.

Croatia, former champions themselves, must now defeat the Czech Republic to stay alive in the tournament. The Czechs will play their first match of the group knowing that a victory could immediately reshape the standings and push one of the early contenders toward elimination.

Chile delivered one of the most explosive performances of the opening round, defeating Portugal 5–2 in a remarkable attacking display. Forward G. Gavier Mansilla scored four goals, leading Chile to an emphatic victory despite Portugal controlling possession for much of the match.

Chile’s attack proved ruthless, converting 12 of their 13 attempts on target into constant danger for the Portuguese defense. Defender Levi Pueyrredon Carneiro earned man of the match honors after a dominant performance at the back.

The result places Portugal in immediate danger. They must now defeat former champions Norway in the final group match to avoid elimination, while Chile can secure progression if they maintain their momentum against the Norwegians in the next fixture.

Germany produced a disciplined performance to defeat Belgium 1–0 and take early control of Group D. The decisive moment came in the 36th minute when striker Gregor Flos converted the match’s only goal.

Despite Belgium registering 18 total shots, Germany remained organized defensively and allowed only limited clear opportunities. Goalkeeper Dirk Meyer delivered an outstanding performance and was deservedly named man of the match.

Germany now face a critical match against Romania, the group’s remaining contender. Romania enter the tournament with strong recent results, including quarterfinal appearances in the previous two World Cups. Belgium must defeat Romania in the final round to avoid becoming the group’s eliminated team.

Former champions Bolivia opened Group E with a narrow but deserved 1–0 victory over India. After controlling possession and creating numerous chances, Bolivia finally broke through in the 73rd minute when B. Gisbert scored the winning goal.

Bolivia dominated much of the match with 18 total shots, while India struggled to threaten offensively, registering only a single shot on target. Defender Agripino Zoreno was named man of the match for his influential performance throughout the contest.

The result leaves India under immediate pressure. They must defeat Albania in their final group fixture to remain in contention. Albania, meanwhile, will begin their campaign against Bolivia in the next round, where a positive result could dramatically reshape the group standings.

Two-time champions Serbia began their tournament campaign with a solid 2–0 victory over Latvia. Goals from Nebojsa Rapo and Svetozar Miljevic secured the result for the Serbian side.

Latvia actually held the majority of possession but struggled to convert their attacking phases into clear chances. Serbia’s defense remained composed, while goalkeeper Tugomir Jankovic delivered a standout performance and was named man of the match.

Latvia now face a decisive encounter with former champions France. A defeat would end their tournament campaign, while France know that a victory would place them firmly in contention before their final match against Serbia.

Group G remains completely open after Poland and the United States played out a tense 0–0 draw in their opening match. Both sides produced several opportunities, but strong defensive performances ultimately kept the scoreline unchanged.

Polish goalkeeper Janusz Dyner delivered a perfect display between the posts and was named man of the match after repeatedly denying the American attack. Poland controlled possession slightly, but neither side was able to find the decisive breakthrough.

The result leaves Australia in an intriguing position ahead of their first match. With Poland and the United States sharing points, Australia could seize control of the group with a strong performance in their opening fixture.

Brazil, champions of cycle 27, began their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Thailand. Midfielder Benjamin Chulapa proved decisive, scoring both Brazilian goals in a match largely controlled by the South American side.

Brazil dominated the contest with 61% possession and 21 total shots, repeatedly testing the Thai defense. Thailand briefly equalized through Kitcha Mukyangkoon, but Brazil’s attacking pressure ultimately proved too much to withstand.

Chulapa’s performance earned him man of the match honors and places Brazil in an excellent position ahead of their clash with Austria. Austria, semifinalists in cycle 28, will now open their campaign knowing that defeat could leave them fighting to avoid elimination in the final group match.

Romania made the sharper start in Group A, beating Germany 4–2 and immediately putting the pressure on the third side, Latvia, before they have even kicked a ball. Last cycle’s runners-up looked clinical rather than wasteful, scoring four times from just four shots on target, with captain Gino Panc leading the way and earning man of the match honors. Germany, for all their quality and pedigree, now have no margin for error after falling behind 0–4 before a late response from Sascha Heichele.

That leaves Latvia in a fascinating position. Their qualification campaign suggested real resilience, and they now know exactly what is required. Romania have seized early control, but the group is far from settled: Latvia can still shape everything, while Germany are suddenly staring at the possibility of a very early exit.

Bulgaria took a significant first step in Group B with a disciplined 2–0 win over Lithuania, a result that already makes the next match against Serbia feel decisive. Bulgaria were efficient and composed, scoring early through Bogdan Stamenov and then adding a second via Anguel Liaskov, while Nikolai Kolarov set the tone in midfield and collected the man of the match award.

For Lithuania, the defeat is a setback after arriving with strong recent credentials, including a last-16 finish in the previous World Cup cycle. They were not overrun, but they lacked the cutting edge that had carried them through qualification. Serbia, meanwhile, are still to enter the group, and their historical pedigree makes them dangerous immediately. Bulgaria have the points, but with Serbia waiting and Lithuania now under pressure, this section still looks open. What is already clear is that the team finishing last will not need many mistakes to find itself going home.

Group C opened with balance rather than separation, as Venezuela and the Netherlands played out a 1–1 draw that keeps all three teams fully alive before Slovenia enter the scene. The Dutch had more of the chances, producing ten shots and eight on target, and they looked the more threatening side for long spells. Tijn Kivit put them ahead and the Netherlands will feel they left something behind after controlling more of the attacking play.

Venezuela, however, showed exactly why they are difficult to dismiss. With only four shots and one effort on target, they still found a goal through J. Gonzalez and earned a result that could prove precious. Slovenia, one of the most decorated U17 nations in the field and coming off a last-16 finish last cycle, now enter a group where nobody has pulled clear. The draw means there is no outright favorite yet, but it also means the team that loses pace over the next two matchdays could be eliminated very quickly.

China have landed the first blow in Group D, overturning Portugal 2–1 in a result that shifts the pressure squarely onto both Portugal and Peru. Portugal had the better of possession and struck first through Eliseu Estrada, but they could not turn control into security. China stayed in the contest and hit back decisively in the second half, with Man Bi and C. Dear scoring within six minutes to complete the comeback. Captain Shu Yen Hsiao was named man of the match as China opened with a statement win.

For Portugal, recent history and their third-place finish in cycle 30 suggest they remain dangerous, but defeat in a three-team group leaves no cushion. Peru are still to play, yet they now know that even a draw against China may not be enough to command the group. China have given themselves control, and the next round could decide not only who advances, but who will be heading home early.

France and Italy produced one of the most entertaining opening games of the second round, with France edging a 3–2 victory to take command of Group E before Turkey make their debut. It was a high-level contest between two sides with rich U17 history, and France ultimately found the extra edge. Gurvan Bob and Thomas Beal struck in the first half, and Marlon Rousseau delivered the winner late on after Italy had already shown their threat through Benedetto Giordano and Giordano Cedro.

France’s attacking volume was impressive, producing 14 shots and 10 on target, but Italy also showed enough quality to remain a serious factor. That makes Turkey’s arrival especially intriguing. One of the competition’s most decorated nations, Turkey now step into a group where one heavyweight already has three points and another is suddenly under pressure. The margins here look tiny, and the side that finishes last will likely do so after only one bad afternoon too many.

Brazil opened Group F like a team that knows exactly how to handle World Cup football. The three-time champions beat Colombia 3–1 and immediately underlined why they remain one of the most feared names in the competition. They struck early through Clemilson Bazilio, stayed in control for long stretches, and then finished the job with further goals from Tamboril das Rocas and Glauco Potiguar. Captain Albertino Andrade was named man of the match after helping set the tempo in a composed Brazilian display.

Colombia were competitive in spells and eventually got on the scoresheet through Eduardo Ortiz, but the defeat leaves them exposed before their meeting with Montenegro. Montenegro have not played yet, which gives them an unusual chance to shape the group in one step. Brazil, with their trophy history and recent pedigree, already look in control. The real tension may now center on who can stay with them and who will be the team sent home from this section.

Moldova have continued to carry themselves like defending champions. Their 1–0 win over Switzerland was not flashy, but it was authoritative enough to put them at the top of Group G and immediately raise the stakes for both Poland and Switzerland. Borea Nirimbetov scored the only goal after 18 minutes, and Moldova’s control of possession and chances suggested they were worthy winners. Mircea Chirila once again stood out and took the man of the match award.

The bigger concern for Switzerland may not be only the result, but the loss of Roy Rey, who suffered a bad injury and is out for the rest of the World Cup. In a group this tight, that kind of absence can shift everything. Poland, with their rich tournament history and strong previous-cycle finish as fourth, now enter with a clear target: beat Moldova and seize control, or risk facing Switzerland in a direct elimination game. Moldova have the advantage, but this group still looks finely balanced.

Ireland have given themselves a real chance in Group H after a hard-earned 1–0 win over Austria. It was not a spectacular performance, but it was an effective one. Ireland had more of the ball, kept their shape, and found the decisive moment through Steven MacMurrough in the 68th minute. Goalkeeper Jason Halligan was named man of the match after helping preserve the clean sheet against an Austrian side that actually produced more shots and five efforts on target.

That defeat leaves Austria in a difficult spot. With Argentina still to come, they now need a response to avoid being boxed into last place. Argentina, meanwhile, have yet to appear and may feel the group has already tilted in their favor without them kicking off. Ireland, whose best U17 World Cup result remains a last-16 finish, now stand one good result from progression. But in a three-team group, momentum can flip quickly, and Austria know that another defeat would almost certainly send them home.