Cymru U17 have learned their 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals opponents following the draw in Budapest, Hungary.
Craig Knight’s side, who were placed in Pot 2, were drawn out first in Group A and will take on hosts Hungary, the Republic of Ireland and Poland.
Cymru’s group-stage fixtures will take place between 17 to 24 May and the dates, venues and kick-off times for the matches will be confirmed in due course.
Cymru’s Route to Qualifying
Cymru’s journey to the finals began in October 2022 with a 2-0 victory over Croatia in the qualifying round before a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sweden and goalless draw against Albania.
Craig Knight’s side were the only side to go unbeaten in their qualifying group and finished top to advance to the elite round, where they were drawn against Scotland, Iceland and Montenegro.
Cymru beat Scotland 4-2 at Rodney Parade in their elite round opener on Wednesday 22 March before a 1-1 draw with Iceland at Dragon Park three days later. Cymru knew a draw would be enough to qualify in their final game against Montenegro at Dragon Park but they were 2-0 down at the break after two quick-fire goals on the stroke of half time.
But second-half goals from Iwan Morgan and Dylan Lawlor ensured Cymru earned a draw and sealed the point they needed to top the group and reach the finals for the first time.
UEFA Euro Under-17 Finals Groups
Group A: Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Cymru
Group B: Serbia, Spain, Italy, Slovenia
Group C: Portugal, France, Scotland, Germany
Group D: Croatia, Netherlands, Switzerland, England
Fixture Dates
Group stage Matchday 1: 17/18 May
Group stage Matchday 2: 20/21 May
Group stage Matchday 3: 23/24 May
Quarter-finals: 27 May
Semi-finals & FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off: 30 May
Final: 2 June
Knockout System
Quarter-finals
QF1: Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
QF2: Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
QF3: Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
QF4: Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C
Semi-Finals
SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF3
SF2: Winner QF2 vs Winner QF4
Final
Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2
