Kavaja: Montenegro ready to enter new dimension

Montenegro will make FIFA tournament debut at U-17 World Cup

They will face USA, Chile and Algeria in Group J

Qatar will host 48-team tournament from 19 November to 13 December

When Montenegro step out for their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™, it will represent an exciting new chapter in the nation’s football history. A country of just over 600,000 people, they have never before competed in a FIFA tournament in any age group or gender.

Radovan Kavaja is the proud coach who will lead Montenegro at the global showpiece, having masterminded a sensational qualifying campaign. His team booked their ticket to Qatar by finishing top of two successive UEFA preliminary groups. Their results included a 2-1 win over Italy, who would go on to be crowned U-17 European champions, and a thumping 4-0 success against Norway.

As the U-17 World Cup draws ever closer, coach Kavaja spoke to FIFA about the significance of Montenegro's qualification, the confidence his players will take to Qatar, and why he is “filled with ambition” ahead of the global finals.

FIFA: Montenegro are primed to compete at the U-17 World Cup for the first time. How much are you looking forward to the tournament?

Radovan Kavaja: It is a great pleasure simply to have qualified for the final tournament of the World Cup for the first time. The journey itself to this championship, by winning first place in two qualification groups amidst extremely tough competition, speaks volumes about how difficult it was to achieve this result. The joy and satisfaction of qualifying were exceptional, especially considering that we achieved such a result coming from a small system and with a small player pool. We look forward to gaining new experience and dream of new victories, this time on the biggest stage possible.

How important is it for Montenegrin football to qualify for a tournament like this?

By qualifying, Montenegrin football has expanded its borders and earned its place among the elite of world football associations. The football association and Montenegro as a nation have gained a new dimension – not just in a footballing sense, which is particularly significant for all of us. This qualification is proof that dedication, investment and perseverance from the players and everyone at the association can lead to great results.

Montenegro have had some fantastic results over the past year, including wins over Italy and Norway. How much confidence does that give you?

Throughout the two qualification cycles, we had very good results. Aside from the victories against Italy and Norway, the wins against Estonia and Greece were no less valuable, nor was the draw against Ukraine. All of this, along with earlier wins in preparatory tournaments against Serbia and Poland, as well as a draw against Romania, boosted our confidence and helped build the best possible atmosphere within the team. The boys now know how we can be competitive against major teams and, quite often, defeat opponents who are stronger on paper.

Montenegro will play USA, Chile and Algeria in Group J. How do you assess the draw and the challenges your team will face?

Our group consists of high-quality teams. All of these selections have large player bases and a history of playing in major competitions. We have different styles, approaches to the game, and strategies. We respect our rivals, but we believe in ourselves and our work. We hope that, even in this competition, we can repeat our good results.

How would you describe the main qualities of your team?

Besides possessing a certain quality on the pitch, I believe unity, discipline, and perseverance as a collective are our greatest strengths. We also have a competitive gene which, combined with all the aforementioned qualities, allows us to build a strong team identity.

What style of football would you like your team to play?

I think there isn't a coach who wouldn't want their team to play possession-based football, gain ground quickly and securely, and create chances with the highest possible efficiency. However, that is quite difficult to achieve. We strive to make the best use of our players' characteristics so that it brings us results. We like to play high and offensively, although we have other options as well.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at last year’s U-17 World Cup, which was also held in Qatar and was the first edition to feature 48 teams. What are you expecting from the event?

I am certain that the organisation will be at the highest possible level. I hope we will make the most of the opportunity to present ourselves as best we can in such an environment and among the finest U-17 national teams in the world. I know this will be a massive experience, and a chance for us to grow and expand our horizons.

On a personal level, how will it feel to lead Montenegro at a World Cup?

I might sound ambitious, but all my work in football is based on the hope that one day I would lead my country at a major competition. Achieving qualification for the European Championship and World Cup provided immense satisfaction for all the effort and investment put into football. I feel pleased and proud of the results achieved, and filled with the ambition to take things a step further.

What are Montenegro’s aims at the tournament?

We want to be competitive against all opponents, to show that these results were no accident, and to exhaust every possibility in every match to achieve the best result. If we could crown it all with a victory that would take us to the next round of the competition, our current ambitions would be fully met.