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Qatar 2026 U-17 World Cup Press Accreditation Opens

By Sports Desk · 2026-09-16 · 2 min read
A green football pitch with white boundary lines under a clear sky
Illustration: Tradingbird

The deadline is set for November 10, 2026. Journalists must secure their credentials through the official portal before the tournament begins in late November.

The green expanse of the pitch waits under a clear sky, the white boundary lines sharp against the grass, a stage ready for the next generation of footballers. For those seeking to witness this spectacle up close, the gate has swung open. Press accreditation for the Qatar 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup is now live, inviting media professionals to position themselves at the heart of the action scheduled from November 19 to December 13.

The window for application closes on November 10, 2026. Requests arriving after this date face the risk of non-review. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the process is strictly digital, routed through the Hayya Media Portal, the official channel designated by the Local Organizing Committee. This is the sole entry point for journalists, photographers, and broadcasters aiming to cover the competition in person.

Documentation Requirements For Applicants

Brazilian journalists, categorized as foreign media professionals, face specific documentary hurdles. A legible passport copy, valid for at least three months beyond the request date, is mandatory. A recent passport-style photo must accompany this. Proof of professional standing is equally critical; a press card, professional ID, or an editorial assignment letter serves as the evidence of one’s role in the press.

Accuracy is non-negotiable. The system demands precise entry of full names, dates of birth, passport validity, organization names, and the country of origin. A single typo in the media outlet’s country or a mismatch in personal data can stall the review process. Incomplete files do not just wait; they risk rejection. The platform distinguishes between categories, assigning print and digital journalists to the MEDIA – Press sector, while photographers and non-rights-holding broadcasters fall into separate tiers.

Strict Limits And Review Timeline

Numbers matter. Each media outlet may accredit up to two photographers. For Non-Rights-Holding Media, the cap is two journalists and two camera operators per organization. Exceeding these limits triggers individual evaluation. Freelancers may apply, but their cases are reviewed on merit, weighing the relevance and consistency of their recent editorial work. The review process itself can take up to seven business days, a period where patience is required.

If the organizers spot errors, they will reach out by email. The clock starts ticking immediately. Applicants have a 24-hour window to respond to corrections or provide additional information. Silence is fatal to the application; failure to react within that day can lead to cancellation. Once approved, instructions for credential collection follow, potentially smoothing the path for entry permits, filming authorizations, and customs clearance for portable equipment under Qatar’s immigration rules.

Brazil Prepares In Switzerland

While the media gears up, the Brazil U-17 National Team tightens its tactical screws. Led by head coach Carlos Eduardo Patetuci, the squad heads to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Switzerland. This late-September and early-October competition serves as the final laboratory for the coaching staff to observe players and make last-minute adjustments.

In Group B, Brazil will clash with Canada, Spain, and Ivory Coast on September 24, 27, and 30. These matches are not just games; they are the final rehearsal before the curtain rises in Qatar. The Swiss tour concludes the preparation phase, setting the stage for the journey to the Middle East, where the real test awaits on the pitch.

Based on reporting by Yahoo Sports, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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