From the under-17 stage in 2017 to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football’s future steps into the present

Eighteen players who participated in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India have returned to the global stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The article highlights the enduring partnership between Japanese players Keito Nakamura and Takefusa Kubo.
Why it matters
The development of young talent through international youth tournaments is a critical pipeline for professional football success.
Nine years ago, the first FIFA tournament hosted in India offered a glimpse into football’s future.
The article provides a sports-focused narrative on player development and career progression.
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