FIFA U-17 World Cup, Mexico 2011: All Cities and Groups Are Set

Today, at the Sala Nezahualcóyotl in Mexico City, the official FIFA Draw event took place which results in all groups for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico coming together. Along with this, the 24 squads learned the places they will be calling home during the group stage and for some; as far as they can get during the tournament.

The event - a very high profile one - showcases some of Mexico's art and culture as well as other peculiar aspects of the country. Amongst the personalities present at the event is Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez, the man responsible for that marvelous U-17 World Cup title in Peru 2005 against Brazil.

All of this is to ready ourselves for the U-17 World Cup in Mexico, which will see its first kick-off on June 18th with the host Mexico Vs. Korea DPR match. The other two group matches for Mexico will be against Congo and Netherlands, respectively.

Mexico's rival and neighbor, the USA, will be the head of Group D, which they will share with Czech Republic, Uzbekistan and New Zealand in the Torreon/Pachuca based group.

As for other groups, the infamous craving for a "Death Group," has everyone pointing towards Group F. This group is formed by football's powerhouse Brazil, the rising power of the Ivory Coast, the Australian Socceroos and Denmark. Personally, I am leaning more towards Group B which is represented by Argentina, France, Jamaica and Japan. Expect Japan to come into the competition very inspired, they will be looking to put a smile on many of their country's faces after the natural disaster we are all well aware of.

Perhaps the only team missing in the tournament is the current champions, Switzerland. The Swiss failed to qualify to Mexico 2011 in what will be considered a major setback in the countries' growing football categories.

The final steps towards what is looking to be a very enjoyable tournament are now in place and in less than a month we should be taking a look at the future stars of the footballing world. 

The final match of the competition will be at the Estadio Azteca on July 10th, in what is expected to be a full house of 100,000 plus screaming fans.

Here are all of the Groups and Areas in which they will be based:

Group A (Morelia/Monterrey)

1. Mexico

2. Korea DPR

3. Congo

4. Netherlands

Group B (Monterrey/Morelia)

1. Japan

2. Jamaica

3. France

4. Argentina

Group C (Pachuca/Torreon)

1. Uruguay

2. Canada

3. Rwanda

4. England

Group D (Torreon/Pachuca)

1. USA

2. Czech Republic

3. Uzbekistan

4. New Zealand

Group E (Queretaro/Guadalajara)

1. Burkina Faso

2. Panama

3. Germany

4. Ecuador

Group F (Guadalajara/ Queretaro)

1. Australia

2. Côte d'Ivoire

3. Brazil

4. Denmark