The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting football tournaments of the year. As the world’s top youth players gather to represent their countries, fans around the globe are eager to witness the next generation of football stars in action.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a curious scout, or just want to follow your nation’s youth team, this guide will cover everything you need to know from the full schedule and team lineups to where you can buy tickets or stream the matches live.
Tournament Overview
The 24th edition of the FIFA U‑20 World Cup is set to be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025, featuring 24 teams from six FIFA confederations. Chile was selected as host by the FIFA Council on 17 December 2023, making it the second time the country hosts the event after 1987. The defending champions Uruguay failed to qualify, continuing a pattern where the previous champion misses the next edition.
What Is the FIFA U-20 World Cup?
The FIFA U-20 World Cup is an international football tournament organized by FIFA for male players under the age of 20. Held every two years, it has long served as a stepping stone for young talents who later go on to shine on the senior stage.
Some of the game’s biggest names including Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, and Erling Haaland made their mark in this very competition.
The 2025 edition promises a fresh wave of rising stars, thrilling matches, and global football fever.
Host Cities & Stadiums
FIFA announced five venues across five cities. Four will host all matches:
- Santiago – Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos (about 46,665 seats)
- Valparaíso – Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander (20,575)
- Viña del Mar – Estadio Sausalito (21,754) — may be backup
- Rancagua – Estadio El Teniente (14,087)
- Talca – Estadio Fiscal de Talca (16,074)
Hosts later confirmed four active cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, and Talca
Format & Tournament Rules
Group Stage Setup
- Six groups (A–F), four teams each.
- Top two teams plus four best third‑placed teams advance to Round of 16.
- Ranking used head‑to‑head points, goal difference, goals‑scored, fair‐play, then drawing lots.
Knockout Rounds
- Round of 16 → Quarter‑finals → Semi‑finals → Third‑place playoff → Final.
- Ties resolved by extra time then penalties if needed.
Qualified Teams for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025
A total of 24 teams will qualify via their respective regional U-20 competitions.
Teams by Confederation
- AFC (Asia) – 4 slots
- CAF (Africa) – 4 slots
- CONCACAF (North/Central America) – 4 slots
- CONMEBOL (South America) – 4 slots
- OFC (Oceania) – 2 slots
- UEFA (Europe) – 5 slots
- Host Nation – 1 automatic slot
Qualified Teams by Confederation
A total of 24 teams confirmed, including debutant New Caledonia and returning nations like Morocco (after 20 years).
- South America (CONMEBOL – 5 spots): Chile (host), Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay
- Europe (UEFA – 5): Italy, France, Spain, Ukraine, Norway
- Asia (AFC – 4): Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
- Africa (CAF – 4): Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa
- CONCACAF (4): USA, Mexico, Cuba, Panama
- Oceania (OFC – 2): New Zealand, New Caledonia
CAF qualifiers saw Nigeria and Egypt win critical penalty shootouts; South Africa beat DR Congo, while Morocco edged Sierra Leone in extra time
Group Draw & Fixtures Summary
The group draw took place on 29 May 2025 in Santiago, hosted by FIFA and local football legends Inside FIFA. It established the following groupings:
- Group A: Chile, New Zealand, Japan, Egypt
- Group B: Korea Republic, Ukraine, Paraguay, Panama
- Group C: Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Spain
- Group D: Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Italy
- Group E: USA, France, New Caledonia, South Africa
- Group F: Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Nigeria
Highlights of each group:
- Hosts Chile begin vs. New Zealand in Group A.
- Group C is dubbed the “group of death”: Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Morocco.
- African teams face tough pools: Egypt in A, Morocco in C, Nigeria in F against Colombia, Norway, Saudi Arabia
Match Calendar (All local time UTC−3)
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 27 Sep – 5 Oct |
| Round of 16 | 7 – 9 Oct |
| Quarter‑finals | 11 – 12 Oct |
| Semi‑finals | 15 Oct |
| Third‑place + Final | 19 Oct (Santiago) |
Total of 52 matches scheduled across cities.
Players & Emerging Talent to Watch
Verified squads still pending release. However, top prospects include:
- Colombia’s Néiser Villarreal South American U‑20 Championship top scorer with a hat‑trick vs Paraguay.
- Saudi Arabia’s young forwards Talal Haji & Al‑Shamrani playing in professional league setup and expected to shine.
- Norway’s youth stars including Atletico’s Travis Hernes and striker Benjamin Faraas, key in European qualification.
Look for talent from Argentina, Brazil, France, USA and Egypt emerging as future senior stars.
How to Watch the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 Live
TV & Online Streaming Options
- FIFA+ (official streaming service, available globally)
- Broadcast Partners: ESPN (USA), BBC (UK), beIN Sports (MENA), Sony (India), SuperSport (Africa)
Mobile Viewing
- FIFA+ App
- YouTube highlights & post-match analysis
- Time zone converter tools for global fans
Be sure to check regional rights closer to kickoff.
Ticket Information: Prices, Access, and Fan Zones
Want to catch the action live? Here’s what you should know: How to Buy Tickets
- Available through FIFA.com/tickets once sales begin
- Ticket categories: Individual match, team packages, knockout passes
- Fan zones: Live screening events and public viewing areas
Expected Ticket Prices
- Group matches: $10–$30 USD
- Knockout rounds: $25–$75 USD
- Final: $50–$100 USD
🚨 Warning: Avoid unofficial ticket resellers to prevent scams.
Past Winners & U-20 World Cup History
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Uruguay | Italy | Argentina |
| 2019 | Ukraine | South Korea | Poland |
| 2017 | England | Venezuela | South Korea |
| 2015 | Serbia | Brazil | New Zealand |
Over the years, this tournament has launched the careers of legends from Diego Maradona to Mohamed Salah.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 isn’t just another tournament it’s where the future of football takes shape. It’s a stage for raw talent, big dreams, and moments that stay with fans for years. Whether you’re watching to support your country, discover the next breakout star, or simply enjoy world-class youth football, this year’s edition promises to deliver plenty of excitement.
