Matchday 9 preview: Fates decided as group stage concludes

The curtain comes down on the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ group stages, with seven sides still looking to secure their passage to the knockouts.

Fixtures

Sunday 5 October
South Africa v USA
New Caledonia v France
Nigeria v Colombia
Saudi Arabia v Norway

Click here for the competition regulations

How to watch

You can purchase tickets to watch the stars of tomorrow play live here. You can also stream all matches for free on FIFA+.

South Africa v USA

13:00 in Los Angeles
16:00 in Washington D.C.
17:00 in Rancagua
22:00 in Johannesburg

Victory or a draw could see South Africa into the top two depending on France’s result against New Caledonia, while defeat puts them in with the other third-place hopefuls. USA need just a point to secure top spot.

Players to watch

Siviwe Magidigidi
Two smart finishes last time out against New Caledonia saw Magidigidi join the front-runners in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

Zavier Gozo
The Real Salt Lake forward came off the bench against France to score a late opener, assist an even later second and play a role in their third and he’ll look to make a similar impact here.

New Caledonia v France

17:00 in Talca
22:00 in Paris
07:00 on Monday in Noumea

The Oceanians have given a good account of themselves in their first finals but must big win here to stand any chance of a historic second-round berth. Any result could be enough for France to progress depending on the full-time score between South Africa and USA.

Players to watch

Noa Muller
The goalkeeper made a number of smart stops to keep the score down against South Africa and will no doubt be kept busy again here.

Mayssam Benama
France’s No10 has been lively in both matches so far and will surely see plenty of the ball in this contest.

Nigeria v Colombia

18:00 in Medellin
20:00 in Talca
00:00 on Monday in Abuja

Victory for Nigeria would see them leapfrog Colombia into the top two, but anything less would leave third place as their only potential route. A draw is enough for the South Americans to advance.

Players to watch

Nasiru Salihu
Salihu got Nigeria off the mark last time out with a well-placed header before assisting their second goal with a clever free-kick. If they’re to topple the table leaders he’ll need to be at his best again here.

Jordan Barrera
The all-action midfielder has been one of Colombia’s best performers so far. He was particularly impressive in victory over Norway, stealing possession and squaring for Oscar Perea’s winner.

Saudi Arabia v Norway

20:00 in Rancagua
01:00 on Monday in Oslo
02:00 on Monday in Riyadh

Despite a spirited showing against Nigeria, Saudi Arabia became the first side to see their hopes of the knockouts end last time out. Norway, meanwhile, know a victory will secure them a maiden spot in the second round.

Players to watch

Amar Al Yuhaybi
Saudi Arabia attacked well against Nigeria, with Al Yuhaybi one of a number of impressive performers in the final third.

Markus Haaland
The Norway wide-man was a rare bright spark in an attack which struggled to get going against Colombia and could be the difference-maker here.