South Africa were the big winners of the early kick-offs as their victory over first-placed USA propelled them into second spot in Group E at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™. France also confirmed their passage to the knockouts in the same section, as they defeated New Caledonia.
In the late matches, a pulsating 1-1 draw between Nigeria and Colombia saw the Flying Eagles pip Australia to advance as one of the third-placed nations while Norway finished second in the section, having played out a 1-1 draw with already eliminated Saudi Arabia.
Group E
South Africa 2-1 USA
South Africa goals: Joshua Wynder own goal (17), Gomolemo Kekana (45+2)
USA goal: Noah Cobb (12)
South Africa surged into the last 16 with a memorable win over USA, who still progress as section winners.
The States took the lead as a wicked Matthew Corcoran free-kick was headed home by Noah Cobb. South Africa responded quickly and levelled when Joshua Wynder put through his own net under pressure from Siviwe Magidigidi. The turnaround was complete in first-half added time, with Shakeel April cutting the ball back for the unmarked Gomolemo Kekana to sweep home.
USA’s Adam Beaudry was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the second period, first denying Kekana’s long-range drive before a superb stop foiled Mfundo Vilakazi late on.
Despite defeat, Marko Mitrovic’s team advance top of the pile and will take on Italy in the last 16. South Africa finish a place further back on goal difference and will meet the eventual Group F winners.
Stat
South Africa will play in the knockouts of an U-20 World cup for the first time since Egypt 2009, while two victories is also a new record for the nation.
New Caledonia 0-6 France
France goals: Andrea Le Borgne (11, 82, 90+3), Lucas Michal (55, 84), Gabin Bernardeau (90+1)
France guaranteed their place in the last 16 and eliminated New Caledonia with victory in Talca. Andrea Le Borgne started the scoring by controlling a Gabin Bernardeau dink into the box, rounding Noa Muller and finishing.
The advantage was doubled soon after the restart, with Moustapha Dabo squaring for Lucas Michal for a tap in. Dabo claimed another assist with Le Borgne on hand to turn home his ball across the box. Michal and Gabin Bernardeau extended the lead before Le Borgne completed the scoring and his hat-trick in added time.
France are now assured of finishing as one of the four best third-placed teams and progress to the last 16 to battle with either Argentina or Japan. For New Caledonia, though, their debut campaign has come to an end.
Quotes
“I’m very proud of the team. We played a great match. Unfortunately, we let it slip in the final minutes, but still, the main thing is we can hold our heads high — we had a good tournament. It was bound to happen once we ended up in a really strong group. Otherwise, I’m proud of the team. Thanks again to all the fans who came to support us, thanks to the coach, the staff, and thanks to everyone back home.”
Kandjo Teanyouen, New Caledonia forward
“Honestly, it’s incredible. Scoring three goals in one game — especially in one of my first caps — really means a lot. I want to thank everyone: the whole staff and my family who are supporting me in France. I’m really happy and truly honoured. It [playing in such a tournament] has been a dream since I was a kid. Now that I’ve been called up, I’m going to give everything so we can go all the way. We’ve got a strong team, a great group, and we know we’re going to fight for it together.”
Andrea Le Borgne, France midfielder
Stat
Before France, only two nations had advanced as a third-placed team with six points. Cameroon were the first at Nigeria 1999, before the Super Eagles themselves did it at Argentina 2023.
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Group F
Nigeria 1-1 Colombia
Nigeria goal: Daniel Bameyi pen (86)
Colombia goal: Kener Gonzalez (51)
At the start of the day, a Colombia side assured of progression sat atop the Group F standings, with Nigeria a point back in third and looking to secure the final ticket to the Round of 16. At the end of play that was how things remained but not before a pulsating clash in Talca.
Remarkably Nigeria hit the post early on and then the bar twice as well as raining down a series of shots that the impressive Jordan Garcia repelled.
At the other end, 15-year-old Ebenezar Harcourt – already capped at senior level – also caught the eye but he was beaten by a sharp finish from Kener Gonzalez six minutes into the second half that for a long time looked to have settled things.
There was to be late drama though as Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty for the second straight match to secure a point that ensured the Flying Eagles finished as one of the best third-placed nations.
Nigeria now face the side they eliminated in the Round of 16 two years ago in Argentina, while Colombia tussle with South Africa.
Stat
Colombia have lost just one of their previous nine group-stage matches.
Quotes
“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball so we tried to deny them passing lanes and that gave us a little edge. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round and we are not worried about who we have to face.”
Aliyu Zubair, Nigeria coach
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Norway
Saudi Arabia goal: Talal Haji pen (53)
Norway goal: Niklas Fuglestad (46)
It was honours even between eliminated Saudi Arabia and already-qualified Norway in Rancagua.
Neither side gave much away during an evenly-matched first half but the contest exploded into life after the break. Norway goalkeeper Sander Ostraat launched a huge kick downfield which bounced all the way into Saudi Arabia’s penalty area, where it was met by Niklas Fuglestad who controlled and powered home just 42 seconds after the restart.
The Young Green Falcons quickly bit back, as Saleh Barnawi was fouled in the area by Lars Remmen. Talal Haji stepped up and smashed home the resulting spot-kick. He almost had his second soon after, but his powerful header came back off the crossbar. Another penalty was awarded down the other end, with Julian Laegreid felled by Eyad Houssa. Norway captain Rasmus Holten took responsibility, but cleared the crossbar with his dinked effort.
Bjorn Johansen’s side will now take on Paraguay in Talca in what will be the nation’s first knockout-stage game.
Stat
Ostraat is the second goalkeeper to record an assist at these finals. His opposite number, Hamed Yousef, had been the first against Nigeria.
