Sleep duration and efficiency following afternoon and evening matches in elite youth soccer players during the FIFA U-17 World Cup: An exploratory observational case report

This exploratory observational case report examined the association between afternoon and evening match timing and subsequent sleep, wellbeing and workload responses in elite youth soccer players during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. Twenty-one players from the Portuguese U-17 National Team were monitored during the tournament. A total of 216 sleep observations obtained from nine players across eight matches and 16 training sessions were analysed. Sleep duration and efficiency were measured using wrist actigraphy. Morning wellbeing (sleep quality, fatigue, stress, and delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS]) was assessed using the Hooper questionnaire items. Internal load was quantified using session-rating of perceived exertion, and external load variables were obtained using global positioning systems devices. Data were compared across the day before (AMD-1; EMD-1), match day, and day after match days (AMD+1; EMD+1). Sleep duration was significantly lower following EMD compared with AMD (-51 min; P < 0.001; d =1.4) and compared with EMD-1 (-70 min; P < 0.001; d =1.9). Sleep efficiency was also lower on EMD compared with AMD (-9%; P < 0.001; d =1.7). Sleep partially recovere d on EMD + 1 but remained below pre-match levels. Fatigue, stress, and DOMS increased on AMD + 1 and EMD + 1 (P < 0.001). Internal and external load variables were higher on match days compared with training days but did not significantly differ between AMD and EMD. The present findings suggest that evening match timing may contribute to altered sleep responses during elite youth international tournaments. However, the potential influence of tournament progression and match importance cannot be excluded.