Headed to its ninth FIFA U-17 World Cup, Canada is looking for its first-ever win. But coach Mike Vitulano has high hopes this time at the expanded 48-team tournament in Qatar.

The Canadian men open Group K play against tournament newcomer Uganda on Nov. 5 before facing France on Nov. 8 and Chile on Nov. 11 with all three games at the Aspire Zone Sports Complex in Al Rayyan.

“We want to be difficult to play against … Hopefully we make a lot people proud, not only by the results we’re chasing and we’re ambitious for but also in the way we play and the way we showcase our young players,” said Vitulano.

France won the U-17 title in 2001, was runner-up last time out in 2023 and finished third in 2019. Chile finished third in 1993.

“We’re not scared of any of these opponents but they are to

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