Are you not entertained? Matchday 1 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ between these sides brought late levellers, even later winners, and 12 opening-day goals all told on a scintillating day of action. Egypt and New Zealand are out to bounce back after defeats, while Panama will hope to do the same against Ukraine. The hosts then return to action against Japan, as Korea Republic and Paraguay do battle.
Fixtures
Tuesday 30 September
Egypt v New Zealand
Panama v Ukraine
Chile v Japan
Korea Republic v Paraguay
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+.
Egypt v New Zealand
17:00 in Santiago
23:00 in Cairo
09:00 on Wednesday in Auckland
Both of these sides lost their opening matches in very different manners. Egypt were swept aside 2-0 by Japan, while New Zealand appeared to have battled to a draw against the hosts, only to concede a 97th-minute winner. A defeat for either of these sides could leave their campaign hanging by a thread.
Players to watch
Ahmed Khaled
Egypt’s captain, who is commonly known by his nickname ‘Kabaka’, has the capability to score and create goals and he’ll be looked to for inspiration in this Santiago showdown.
Nathan Walker
It took the forward just 58 seconds to make an impact against Chile, as he bundled his way through the hosts’ box to win a penalty which he duly converted. If handed a chance from the start here, he could be New Zealand’s difference-maker.
Panama v Ukraine
15:00 in Panama City
17:00 in Valparaiso
23:00 in Kyiv
Panama battled hard with Paraguay but were ultimately left on the canvas following an injury-time winner from Tiago Caballero, and will need to supercharge their efforts if they’re to get by Ukraine. The Blue and Yellows dominated for large parts in their victory over Korea Republic, and could secure their spot in the knockouts in double-quick time with another here.
Players to watch
Giovany Herbert
The Panama midfielder is a powerful runner and possesses excellent balance and composure on the ball, facets of his game he showed when netted versus Paraguay.
Oleksandr Pyshchur
Standing at a towering 2.04m, Pyshchur is the tallest player at these finals and the powerful forward netted what would prove to be Ukraine’s winner last time out.
Chile v Japan
20:00 in Santiago
08:00 on Wednesday in Tokyo
The hosts left it late to get the party started against New Zealand, as Ian Garguez prodded home a stunning winner. Japan’s victory versus Egypt was more straightforward, but they know they’ll be up against another ferocious Santiago crowd in this one.
Players to watch
Lautaro Millan
Millan wrote his name into Chile folklore on Saturday night, as he capped a fine display with their opening goal against the Junior All Whites.
Hisatsugu Ishii
This serial problem-causer played a part in both goals – including netting the second himself – as Japan brushed aside Egypt on opening day.
Korea Republic v Paraguay
20:00 in Valparaiso
20:00 in Asuncion
08:00 on Wednesday in Seoul
Lee Changwon’s side can take solace from their second-half showing against Ukraine, as they battled against the current and nearly took a point in Valparaiso. They’re up against a Paraguay team who rewrote the records books to secure a first comeback victory at these finals over Panama, with coach Antolin Alcaraz certain they’ll only get better from here.
Players to watch
Kim Myeongjun
Korea Republic’s No11 scored twice at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023™ and is already off the mark at these finals after powering home a terrific header against Ukraine.
Enso Gonzalez
Silky winger Gonzalez dazzled with his close control and dribbling in the victory over Panama and netted a stunning volley in the second half.
