The Stage is Set: 16 Teams Battle for Glory at Chile’s U-20 World Cup
The beautiful game’s next generation of stars is ready to shine as the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup enters its knockout phase in Chile. After an action-packed group stage that saw 24 teams compete across six groups, 16 nations have emerged to fight for football’s most prestigious youth trophy.
The expanded tournament, which kicked off on September 27 at various venues across Chile, has already delivered plenty of thrilling moments. Now, the real drama begins as the Round of 16 matches commence on October 7, with host nation Chile facing Mexico in what promises to be an electric encounter at the Estadio ElÃas Figueroa Brander.
Football powerhouses and underdogs alike have made it to this crucial stage. Traditional giants Argentina, Spain, and France will test their mettle against hungry challengers, while Africa’s hopes rest with Morocco and South Africa. Asian football sees strong representation through Japan and South Korea, demonstrating the global reach of youth football excellence.
Some intriguing matchups catch the eye: Argentina versus Nigeria promises fireworks at the iconic Estadio Nacional, while Ukraine’s clash with Spain could be a tactical masterclass. The USA faces a stern test against Italy, and Colombia’s encounter with South Africa has all the ingredients for an entertaining spectacle.
The tournament’s expanded format has worked well, with qualification spots spread across all FIFA confederations: AFC (4), CAF (4), CONCACAF (4), CONMEBOL (4), OFC (1), and UEFA (6), plus host Chile. The journey continues until October 19, when the final will be played at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional Julio MartÃnez Prádanos.
With every match now a do-or-die affair, these young talents have everything to play for. The road to glory is clear: win or go home. Who will take their first step toward becoming world champions? The answers begin to unfold today.
[Tables with qualified teams and fixtures remain exactly as in the original article]
