The 24th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ kicks off on 27 September, with 24 nations set to battle it out for the prestigious trophy in Chile.
In years gone by, the tournament has been graced by the likes of Diego Maradona, Iker Casillas and Paul Pogba, with a host of other superstars going on to conquer the FIFA World Cup™ following their youth-level success.
Here, we’ve taken a look at five must-see match-ups from the group stage of this year’s edition.
Group B: Korea Republic v Ukraine
Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander, Valparaiso
Saturday 27 September, 17:00 (local time)
Neither Korea Republic or Ukraine had gone beyond the quarter-finals of the U-20 showpiece prior to 2019, when the pair met in a fairytale decider in Lodz. Ukraine won 3-1 that day to clinch their first-ever FIFA title, and the two will meet again in their opening Group B clash this year. With both sides packed with talent, the rematch is not one to be missed.
Group A: Chile v New Zealand
Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos, Santiago
Saturday 27 September, 20:00 (local time)
Chile’s first match as an U-20 World Cup host in some 38 years will take place against New Zealand. The Junior All Whites qualified for the finals after clinching the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, winning all five of their matches by an aggregate score of 23-0. The South Americans will be backed by a fervent Santiago support, while the Oceanian powerhouses are out to escape the group for a fifth tournament running.
Group E: USA v France
Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua
Thursday 2 October, 17:00
Both USA and France go into these finals looking to make deep runs into the knockout phase. The Stars and Stripes have fallen at the quarter-final stage of the previous four tournaments, and will be keen to break that run with the talent at their disposal. France – who lost the U-19 European Championship final to Spain – haven’t gone beyond the last 16 since winning the tournament at Türkiye 2013. They’ll meet at the midway point of the group stage, with both sure to be eyeing top spot.
Group C: Spain v Brazil
Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos, Santiago
Saturday 4 October, 17:00
An instant classic at any age level, Spain and Brazil – who both enter the tournament as continental champions – will lock horns on the final matchday of Group C in a tantalising Santiago showdown. The Seleção have won this event five times but not since 2011, while Spain’s sole victory goes further back to their Nigeria 1999 triumph. Will either of these sit atop the podium on 19 October?
Group D: Argentina v Italy
Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander, Valparaiso
Saturday 4 October, 20:00
Another group will round off with a heavyweight bout, as Argentina and Italy face off in Valparaiso. The Azzurrini, indeed, reached the final of the previous edition in Argentina, where their quest for a maiden title was ended by Uruguay in heart-breaking fashion. The young Albiceleste caught the eye in qualifying with a 6-0 hammering of arch-rivals Brazil, and will be a match for anyone in Chile on that evidence.
