Sports World Cup : Villalba stars again

One of Paraguay’s brightest talents played a key role as his nation downed Panama to remain on course for a spot in the knockout stage at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 08: Pedro Villalba of Paraguay scores his team's second goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between Paraguay and Panama at Aspire Academy on November 08, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Paraguay recovered from an opening defeat to ease past Panama at the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Once again Pedro Villalba played a starring role in the win
Face a crucial final group outing against Republic of Ireland as they bid to reach the knockout stage

Paraguay bounced back from an opening 2-1 defeat against Uzbekistan by emerging victorious against Panama in a match they dominated at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™. They had the lion’s share of the chances and sealed the 2-1 win in the second half to remain in the running for a knockout stage berth.

In their final group outing they face a mouthwatering tie against the already-qualified Republic of Ireland on Tuesday. Paraguay coach Mariano Uglessich had Pedro Villalba, the Player of the Match, to thank for guiding his side over the line against Panama. He nestled home a right-footed strike to score the South American side’s second goal of the encounter and was also heavily involved in the rehearsed set-piece that produced their opener, linking up with Carlos Franco.

It's virtually all to play for as the second batch of groups come to a close in Qatar.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 07: Chizaram Ezenwata of England celebrates scoring his team's seventh goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between England and Haiti at Aspire Academy on November 07, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Holmes - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Groups E, F, G and H reach the finish line
Watch the U-17 World Cup on FIFA+
Everything you need to know about the U-17 World Cup

It's the penultimate day of first-round action at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™, as groups E, F, G and H come to a close in Doha. The likes of England, Germany and Colombia are all still chasing the knockout stage.

Group E

Egypt v England

Kick-off times

15:45 in Doha 12:45 in London 14:45 in Cairo

Already-qualified Egypt take on an England side who know just a point will be

Already-qualified Egypt take on an England side who know just a point will be enough to see them into the Round of 32. Victory for either could secure their position at the top of the standings.

England v Haiti | Group E | FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ | Highlights

Watch highlights of the match between England and Haiti played at Aspire Zone, Doha on Friday 7 November at 15:30 (local time).

Venezuela v Haiti

Kick-off times

15:45 in Doha https://www.effectivegatecpm.com/tsigr24r7z?key=42899c9d8cb89152765e95825d7e613f 07:45 in Port-Au-Prince 08:45 in Caracas

Venezuela come into this one against bottom-of-the-pile Haiti already through and could take top spot with a win. The Caribbean side have already been eliminated but will be hungry to finish the tournament on a positive note.