Doha, Qatar: Uganda made history with a 1-0 win over last edition's finalists France, claiming their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup victory and a spot in the Round of 32 at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex yesterday.

Despite the defeat, France advanced as Group K winners on a better goal difference with all four teams tied on points on the final day of group stage.

Uganda finished behind Canada but progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

James Bogere was the star for Uganda, scoring a clinical strike into the top-left corner in the 18th minute. Arafat Nkoola came close when his effort hit the crossbar, but Bogere's goal proved enough to take the debutants to the Round of 32.

“This is our first time here and we are out of the group, we beat France. Man... this means a lot. France came second in the last tournament. They had the pedigree, but we had the character. We came here, we played our way and we won,” said Uganda coach Brian Ssenyondo.

Chile, however, were eliminated despite edging Canada 2-1 at Mahmoud Soufi Pitch.

Shola Jimoh gave Canada the lead in the 32nd minute, Zidane Yanez equalised in the 55th and Matias Orellana sealed the win for Chile in the 66th minute.

From Group J, Uzbekistan and Paraguay joined Ireland in progressing to the next round, while Burkina Faso and Czechia went through from Group I.

Meanwhile, in Group L, Austria maintained a perfect record, winning all their matches, before Mali rounded off the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Hosts Qatar, who lost to Italy and drew with South Africa and Bolivia, bowed out after a winless campaign as the group stage concluded following 72 matches.

The Round of 32 will get underway on Friday.

Uzbekistan advance in style; Paraguay hold Ireland

At Mohammed Ghanim Pitch, Uzbekistan thrashed Panama 6-1 with a second-half blitz to reach the knockout stage as Group J runners-up behind Ireland.

Panama could have taken the lead in the first half, but goalkeeper Ibrokhim Shokirov brilliantly blocked Estevis Lopez's spot-kick.

Uzbekistan then ran riot in the second half with goals from Abubakir Shukurullaev, Sadriddin Khasanov, Sayfiddin Sodikov, Jamshidbek Rustamov, Asilbek Aliev and Abdusamad Saidov. Joseph Pacheco earned a last-gasp consolation for Panama, who ended their campaign without a point.

“The pressure was massive in this game. At half-time, the coach spoke with us and we all came together, and the second half was just something incredible. For me as a goalkeeper, it was great when we went three or four goals up, then I could calm down a little,” said Shokirov.

Paraguay also reached the knockout stage after holding Ireland to a goalless draw at Khaled Ballan Pitch.

USA stay perfect; Burkina Faso and Czechia progress

USA finished their Group I campaign on top with a 1-0 victory over Czechia at Khaled Salman Pitch. Substitute Mathis Albert fired the winner in the 78th minute after an absorbing first half.

There was a late setback for USA when Mateo Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time.

USA players celebrate their victory. Pic: X/@USYNT

“I'm really excited and happy to get my first goal. We just need to keep up this momentum. I think we could go really far. Every game we play, we have so much intensity. We're just so focused on winning,” said Albert.

Burkina Faso finished as runners-up in the group after defeating Tajikistan 2-0 at Ibrahim Khalfan Pitch, with second-half goals from Cherif Barro and Eric Ouattara.

Barro converted a penalty in the 79th minute, while Ouattara sealed the win in stoppage time. Czechia also advanced despite losing to the USA.

Saudi Arabia eliminated as Mali reach knockout stage

At Mansour Muftah Pitch, Mali defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to reach the Round of 32 from Group L, topped by Austria.

Raymond Bomba (61st minute) and Ibrahim Diakite (67th minute) scored for Mali.

Saudi Arabia ended level with Mexico on points, goal difference, and goals scored in the third-place standings, but bowed out due to worse team-conduct score.

Austria finished the group stage with a perfect record, defeating New Zealand 4-1 at Adel Mallala Pitch.

All goals came in the second half, with Nicolas Jozepovic and Dominik Dobis opening the scoring, followed by a late brace from substitute Hasan Deshishku. William Britton scored for New Zealand.

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