Cabral Brace Sends Portugal into U17 World Cup Last-16, Mexico Next

Portugal’s under-17s needed only one sparkling afternoon in Doha to turn a worrying draw into a statement of intent. With Anísio Cabral finishing twice in six frantic minutes, the young Seleção edged Belgium 2-1, sealing a ticket for the round of 16 and renewing the dream of a maiden world crown at this age level. A tenacious Belgian push in stoppage time forced a nervy finale, yet the Portuguese bench erupted at the whistle, fully aware that Mexico now stands between them and a deep November run in Qatar.

Moment of brilliance beneath the desert sun

The Aspire Zone’s Field 3 baked under 28 °C heat when Bino Maçães’s side finally unlocked the match. Until the 38th minute Belgium had dominated the ball, but a rugged midfield recovery by Stevan Manuel flipped the momentum. Three passes later Tomás Soares lofted a diagonal into the area; Cabral, back to goal, hooked an acrobatic strike beyond a stranded keeper for 1-0. The forward struck again in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on a poor clearance to double the margin. Belgium’s Noah Fernandez halved the deficit on 45 + 5, yet a disciplined high press and sharp rotations from Portugal’s back four limited further danger.

Anísio Cabral, a star in the making

The teenager from Vitória de Guimarães academy now leads the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals. Scouts representing clubs from La Liga, the Premier League and even Serie A scribbled furiously after his second finish, a timely reminder that Portuguese academies continue to churn out cutting-edge talent. Cabral’s blend of pace, spatial awareness, and a fearless attitude in front of goal has quickly made him the face of this campaign. Head coach Maçães praised his striker’s “instinct” while warning that “the collective must stay above the individual” as the bracket tightens.

Reading the numbers behind the victory

Statistics often flatter possession-heavy sides, yet on this occasion they underlined Portugal’s pragmatic edge. Belgium held 59 % possession, but Portugal attempted 17 shots to the Red Devils’ six and forced the keeper into four saves. Nine corners created continuous aerial threats, while centre-backs Rui Cordas and Hugo Sarmento completed 84 % of their passes despite clearing lines under pressure. The only blot on the sheet was the 18 fouls conceded, something Maçães admitted “needs smarter management” against rivals capable of punishing dead-ball situations.

Next stop: Mexico on Tuesday morning in Lisbon

Attention now shifts to 18 November, when Portugal meet Mexico at 13:00 local time—that’s 10:00 in Portugal due to the three-hour time difference. The North Americans progressed after a dramatic shoot-out against Argentina and bring a contrasting style built on rapid wing transitions. Victory would propel Portugal into a quarter-final likely against either Switzerland or the Republic of Ireland, keeping alive hopes of a semi-final at the imposing Khalifa International Stadium on 24 November. The tournament concludes three days later, a date Portuguese supporters already have circled.

Growing confidence without complacency

Inside the camp the mood is upbeat but guarded. Maçães reminded reporters that the only blemish so far—a 2-1 loss to Japan in the group stage—proved how quickly momentum can swing. Nevertheless, pundits on RTP 3 and Canal 11 now list Portugal among the “big three” favourites alongside Brazil and France. Portugal’s pedigree at youth level is undeniable: three European titles at under-17 and a senior football culture that embraces possession-based flair. Translating that tradition into a world championship remains the missing chapter, but with Cabral in form, a balanced midfield led by Rafael Quintas, and a defense capable of absorbing pressure, optimism back home feels both widespread and justified.

Why it matters back in Portugal

A deep run in Qatar could ripple through the domestic game. Success would strengthen calls for Liga Portugal clubs to fast-track academy products, boost the credibility of the seleção’s long-term pipeline, and lift national morale ahead of next summer’s senior European Championship. Economic benefits follow as well: every standout performance raises a young player’s transfer valuation, injecting potential revenue into clubs outside the traditional big three. More than trophies, this under-17 side offers a timely reminder that football remains one of Portugal’s most powerful international calling cards.