NYCFC's first-ever Homegrown signing James Sands and his USA U-17 teammates will join India, Colombia, and Ghana in Group A of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The young Americans will play in the opening match of the tournament against host nation India, kicking off their challenging group stage schedule in marquee style.
James Sands will likely be leading the American defense against India, who will be making their first appearance in a FIFA U-17 World Cup, having never before qualified. With opponents like Ghana—who have won this tournament twice before—and South American powerhouse Colombia on the horizon, it will be important for the United States to start the tournament on the right foot.
Sands anchored the USA U-17s to the finals of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship this past spring, earning Best XI honors as the team conceded just four goals through the entirety of the tournament. Sands also converted his attempt in an eventual 5-4 loss to Mexico on penalty kicks in the tournament finale.
The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup begins on October 6th across six venues in India. 24 nations will be competing for the trophy. The top two finishers from each group, as well as the four best third-place group stage finishers, will compete in the knockout rounds. The final will be played on October 28th in Kolkata.
