MUMBAI: The official draw for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be played at six venues across India between 6 and 28 October 2017, took place in Mumbai on Friday.
Telecast rights of this tournament are with Sony Pictures Network India. FIFA World Cup is held every four years, and Sony had bagged the rights in 2014, Sony Six business head Prasanna Krishnan had earlier told Indiantelevision.com.
Friday's draw revealed that hosts India will take on the U.S. in their opening match of the competition in New Delhi. Group A also includes Colombia and Ghana, who will also clash as part of the first day's action.
Perhaps the most intriguing quartet of teams can be found in Group D, where FIFA tournament debutants Niger were drawn with Korea DPR, Brazil, and Spain.
The draw ceremony was held in the presence of FIFA Council member Sunil Gulati, All-India Football Federation president Praful Patel and Indian minister of youth affairs and sports Vijay Goel.
Assisting in the draw ceremony were FIFA Legends Esteban Cambiasso and Nwankwo Kanu, as well as Indian national team legend Sunil Chhetri and Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the performance of the tournament's official song. Pritam and Babul Supriyo revealed 'Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal' for the first time, much to the delight of the assembled audience.
FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 Draw
Group A: India, USA, Colombia, Ghana
Group B: Paraguay, Mali, New Zealand, Turkey
Group C: Iran, Guinea, Germany, Costa Rica
Group D: Korea DPR, Niger, Brazil, Spain
Group E: Honduras, Japan, New Caledonia, France
Group F: Iraq, Mexico, Chile, England