The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ continued on Monday, highlighted by a prolific day in front of goal for USA against debutants New Caledonia in Group E. Earlier in the day, France also collected full points in the group against South Africa thanks to a late strike.
Margins were razor thin in Group F, beginning with Norway edging Nigeria in a hard-fought contest, followed by Colombia shaking off Saudi Arabia.
Group E
France 2-1 South Africa
France goals: Anthony Bermont (25), Lucas Michal (80)
South Africa goal: Jody Ahshene pen (33)
A late Lucas Michal strike saw France earn all three points against South Africa in Rancagua. The French started well, with Tadjidine Mmadi rolling one just wide before Mayssam Benama struck the base of the post. Bernard Diomede’s side eventually broke the deadlock 25 minutes in, as Anthony Bermont drilled home from just inside the area.
Their lead lasted less than ten minutes, however, as Kutlwano Letlhaku twinkle-toed his way into the France box and was brought down by Elyaz Zidane, the youngest son of French icon Zinedine Zidane. Jody Ahshene stepped up and rolled the spot-kick home.
The winner wouldn’t come until the 80th minute, when Michal turned on the edge of the area, drove inside and unleashed a powerful effort into the bottom-right corner.
Quotes
“It’s a lot of pride, a lot of happiness. We knew we had to start the competition well because there are only three group matches, so it was important to start with a victory. I helped the team and contributed with my goal, so I’m very happy. Now we need to win the next matches and qualify.”
Anthony Bermont, France player
“Our goal was to succeed in this first match with a victory. It’s important, when entering the competition, to gain confidence and win with style. We worked well this week. We have a supportive team. We found a collective spirit. I am very proud and very happy with the players and the staff, because we did a big job. The week wasn’t easy. This match was important for us, to get started in the competition and to give playing time to all the players, even if some didn’t get as much time as they had hoped. I’m pleased to see that the players in the dressing room are very happy.”
Bernard Diomede, France coach
Stat
South Africa’s most recent U-20 World Cup goal was also a penalty. James Monyane netted from the spot to earn a draw with Portugal at Poland 2019.
USA 9-1 New Caledonia
USA goals: Benjamin Cremaschi (2, 4, 37), Nolan Norris (35, 44), Niko Tsakiris (7), Francis Westfield (28), Taha Habroune (68), Cole Campbell (73)
New Caledonia goal: Wapae Simane (70)
USA strolled to victory against New Caledonia in Rancagua. Benjamin Cremaschi netted twice – his second a stunning volley – in the opening four minutes before crossing for Niko Tsakiris to head home three minutes later. Francis Westfield nodded in from a corner just before the half-hour. Defender Nolan Norris then helped himself to a brace either side of Cremaschi securing his hat-trick for a half-time score of 7-0.
Substitute Taha Habroune made it eight, but New Caledonia would get their history-making moment. Wapae Simane capitalised on a goalkeeping error and calmly netted his nation’s first finals’ goal. Normal service resumed soon after, as Cole Campbell completed the rout.
Quotes
“Super happy with the way that this team started the tournament. It’s an important win, obviously the first one is very important. Super happy with the team’s performance. We have two important games coming up with tough opponents. We were watching the game earlier and they [France] looked good so we just need to focus on the next couple.”
Benjamin Cremaschi, USA midfielder
Stat
New Caledonia are the 94th different team to play at the U-20 World Cup.
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Group F
Norway 1-0 Nigeria
Norway goal: Rasmus Holten pen (9)
An early penalty proved enough for Norway against Nigeria in their opening match in Talca. It didn’t take long for Nigeria to get Norway’s attention, as Kparobo Arierhi rattled the crossbar inside three minutes. But it was Norway who scored the opener after a video review ruled a handball in the Nigeria area, and Rasmus Holten converted from the spot. A sparkling, slaloming run from Luca Hoyland had Norway poised for two, but Gustav Nyheim was unable to steer home the cross right in front of goal.
Nigeria mounted pressure in search of an equaliser and Tahir Maigana was left dismayed when his effort smacked the post shortly after the hour mark. In the end, Norway handled the late Nigerian late push to secure the precious points.
Quotes
“Winning is very important, getting the three points. Every game is going to be fought until the end. Now we’ll play a final against Saudi Arabia. But three points in our debut, in a World Cup, is very important. We have to improve our game, but the structure is good and Nigeria is a very tough opponent”.
Bjorn Johansen, Norway coach
Stat
Holten’s goal was the first for Norway at the U-20 World Cup since Erling Haaland scored the last of his record nine in a 12-0 win over Honduras at Poland 2019.
Colombia 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Colombia goal: Oscar Perea (64)
Colombia got off to a winning start in the group thanks to a narrow victory over Saudi Arabia in Talca. It was good end-to-end action to start, with both sides trying to pick the lock. Colombia started to put the Saudi Arabia defence on their heels and nearly struck on an Oscar Perea header that flashed wide, followed by Carlos Sarabia missing by a whisker.
Colombia’s efforts were finally rewarded when they took advantage of a defensive lapse and Perea turned in a cross. Saudi Arabia looked to respond, but could not find a way past goalkeeper Jordan Garcia and the Colombian defence, who saw things out.
Stat
Colombia are now unbeaten in all eight of their group-stage encounters against AFC nations.
