Atlanta United announced today that two of its rising stars have been called up to represent their national teams at the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar from November 3–27.
Midfielder Cooper Sanchez will join the U.S. U-17 National Team, while goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom will represent Canada. Additionally, U-16 Academy defender Seyi Fakiyesi has been listed as an injury replacement for Canada.
Sanchez Ready to Shine for the Stars and Stripes
At just 17 years old, Cooper Sanchez continues to make strides in his professional career. The Seattle native signed a Homegrown contract with the club on August 5, 2025, after two standout seasons with Atlanta United 2.
This year, Sanchez made his First Team debut in Leagues Cup play against Atlas and earned his MLS debut against Columbus Crew. With ATL UTD 2, he appeared in 19 matches, making 16 starts, scoring his first professional goal against Huntsville City on August 30, and adding two assists.
For the U.S. U-17 National Team, coached by Gonzalo Segares, Sanchez has started five of his seven international appearances. The United States will compete in Group I, facing:
- Burkina Faso — Nov. 5 (10:45 a.m. ET / Universo)
- Tajikistan — Nov. 8 (9:45 a.m. ET / Telemundo)
- Czechia — Nov. 11 (9:45 a.m. ET / Universo)
Ransom Set for World Cup Duty with Canada
Jonathan Ransom, 17, signed his first professional contract with ATL UTD 2 on October 13, 2025, capping off an impressive season with the MLS NEXT Pro side.
The young goalkeeper started all 13 matches he appeared in and became the youngest goalkeeper in ATL UTD 2 history to record a clean sheet, achieving the milestone in a 3–0 victory over Orlando City B on May 25, 2025.
Ransom tallied 37 saves, two clean sheets, and a 65% save percentage this season — performances that earned him a spot on Canada’s U-17 National Team, coached by Mike Vitulano.
Canada will compete in Group K, facing:
- Uganda — Nov. 5 (10:45 a.m. ET / Telemundo)
- France — Nov. 8 (8:30 a.m. ET / Telemundo)
- Chile — Nov. 11 (7:30 a.m. ET / FOX Sports)
Ransom has already made four international appearances for Canada’s U-17s, keeping one clean sheet and famously earning a penalty shootout win against the U.S. U-17s on June 7, 2025, saving two penalties in the process.
Continuing the Club’s Youth Legacy
Sanchez and Ransom become the eighth and ninth Atlanta United players to represent the club at a FIFA U-17 World Cup, underscoring the strength of Atlanta’s Academy-to-pro pipeline and the club’s continued investment in youth development.
All 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup matches will stream on NBC Sports Universe and associated NBC platforms.
Club Fact Sheet
- Tournament: 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup (Qatar)
- Dates: November 3–27, 2025
- Atlanta United Representatives: Cooper Sanchez (USA), Jonathan Ransom (Canada), Seyi Fakiyesi (Canada – injury replacement)
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.