The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting youth tournaments we’ve seen in years. Kicking off on September 27th in Chile, this year’s edition features 24 of the best young sides on the planet battling it out for glory. We’ve got everything you need to follow the tournament: a breakdown of the format, all six groups, key dates to circle on your calendar, and a few players you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on. Whether you’re watching for scouting insight, betting angles, or just to see some world-class youth football, this guide will get you ready for kick-off.
When is the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will commence on September 27th and end on October 19th. It’s the 24th edition of the U-20 World Cup, with 24 teams from six confederations competing. Matches will take place across four host cities: Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Talca. The full schedule includes 52 matches total, covering the group stage, knockout rounds, and the final.
2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Format
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will feature 24 teams split into six groups of four. Each team plays three matches in the group stage, with the top two sides from each group automatically advancing to the knockout rounds. To make up the last spots, the four best third-placed teams also progress, creating a Round of 16.
From there, the tournament follows a classic knockout format with quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and the final. If any match in the knockout stage ends level after 90 minutes, extra time and, if necessary, penalties will decide the winner.
This is very similar to what fans will see in the 2026 FIFA World Cup format. Like the U-20 competition, the senior World Cup will feature groups of four, guaranteeing each team three matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance, along with the best third-placed finishers. The key difference is size. The 2026 senior competition will have 48 teams across 12 groups. Because of the expansion, it will introduce a Round of 32 before the last 16.
The U-20 World Cup gives a taste of what to expect on the biggest stage a year later. The similarities mean fans can already start picturing how the 2026 World Cup might look when the new format debuts.
2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Groups
Six groups of four will compete in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup throughout the group stages. Those 24 teams will battle it out for a place in the knockout rounds, with the top two sides from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing. From there, it’s straight into the round of 16 as the tournament builds towards the final.
There are some exciting clashes in the group stages. The draw placed Brazil and Spain together in Group C. Spain will be playing in their first U-20 World Cup since 2013. Elsewhere, Italy and Argentina will clash in Group E, and France brings in a wealth of players who already boast senior experience at club level, with many soccer predictions pinning them down as favourites.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F |
| Chile (Hosts) | South Korea | Brazil | Italy | United States | Colombia |
| New Zealand | Ukraine | Mexico | Australia | New Caledonia | Saudi Arabia |
| Japan | Paraguay | Morocco | Cuba | France | Norway |
| Egypt | Panama | Spain | Argentina | South Africa | Nigeria |
How did teams qualify for the U-20 World Cup?
Chile got a free pass into the 2025 U-20 World Cup as hosts, leaving 23 other spots up for grabs across the six continental qualifiers. Asia, CONCACAF and Africa each send four teams. South America sends five, including Chile. Oceania contributes two, and Europe has five.
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Asia’s qualifiers come from the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, where Japan and South Korea kept up their strong form by reaching the semifinals. Joining them are Australia, who celebrate their first qualification in 12 years, and Saudi Arabia. Over in Africa, the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations decided the spots, with Nigeria making another finals appearance alongside Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.
The United States picked up their sixth straight U-20 CONCACAF Championship title last year to qualify. Mexico, Panama, and Cuba also punched their tickets to Chile there. In South America, Brazil and Argentina dominate the standings, with Colombia and Paraguay also qualifying. Our online sportsbook will look favourably on one of the South American teams to lift the trophy once again.
Oceania saw a big moment for New Caledonia, who qualified for their first-ever U-20 World Cup after reaching the OFC final. They’ll be joined by New Zealand, who have now qualified for seven straight tournaments. In Europe, the 2024 UEFA U-19 Championship produced five strong contenders. France, Spain, Ukraine, Italy and Norway punched their tickets, with the former three all winning the tournament in previous years.
2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Key Dates
The group stage will run from 27th September to 5th October as all 24 teams battle for a place in the knockouts. The Round of 16 will follow from 7th to 9th October, before the quarter-finals on 11th and 12th October. The action then heads into the business end of the tournament, with semi-finals on 15th October, the third-place playoff on the 18th and the final scheduled for 19th October.
Players to Watch at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup
- Diego Kochen – Goalkeeper, United States: The United States have a history of developing top-level goalkeepers. Barcelona’s Diego Kochen could be next on that list. The 19-year-old has impressed at the famous La Masia academy, earning a new deal in 2024 as well as his first senior international call-up. The shot stopper brings excellent reflexes, composure with the ball at his feet, and leadership beyond his years. He will be crucial if the US are to make a deep run in Chile.
- Héctor Fort – Right Back, Spain: From one La Masia graduate to the next, Hector Fort is competing with one of the best right-backs in the world at Barcelona. However, a loan to Elche this season and a spot in the U-20 World Cup could see him break through soon. The 19-year-old already has 24 appearances for Barca, and 25/26 is shaping up to be a breakout season. Fort can play either side of a back four and has excellent technical ability. He is likely to impress in this tournament, where his nation is one of the football betting favourites to lift the trophy.
- Khalis Merah – Midfielder, France: Khalis Merah looks destined for big things in the very near future. The teenager made his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon weeks ago and has now started their previous two league games. The creative youngster can play through the middle as a 10 or out wide and moves with elegance when the ball is at his feet. He is already being called ‘the future of Lyon’, and will feature heavily in a French side expected to make a deep run in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
- Pedrinho – Winger, Brazil: Pedrinho has made a splash in Europe, starring for Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg since signing from Corinthians in 2024. The skilful forward is already playing senior football week in, week out, and brings a fearless attitude. Quick, tricky, and with an eye for goal, he thrives in one-on-one situations. He is just as happy creating chances for teammates as he is finishing them off himself. His combination of flair and end product could make him one of the most exciting players to watch in Chile.
