Colombia ended their campaign on a high by edging past France in Santiago to claim bronze at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™.
Colombia 1-0 France
Colombia goal: Perea (2)
Colombia clinched their first medal at these finals for more than 20 years by defeating France in Santiago. Cesar Torres’ side took the lead inside just the second minute, as high Colombian pressing saw them win the ball outside the France box with Oscar Perea on hand sweep home.
Les Bleuets looked for all the world like they would level soon after, as Fode Sylla pounced on a loose ball in the box and rounded Jordan Garcia, but a combination of goalkeeper and Yeimar Mosquera blocked his effort.
Colombia looked comfortable for much of the second half and ought to have doubled their lead when Royner Benitez picked Elyaz Zidane’s pocket and bore down on goal, but he cleared the crossbar. They very nearly paid for that late on as Lucas Michal appeared to be upended in the box, only for the decision to be reversed upon review. A last-gaps thunderbolt by Ilane Toure then struck a post as the South Americans clung on for victory.
Stat
France have now lost both of their third-place play-offs at these finals, having fallen 3-1 to Mexico at Colombia 2011.
