The men's Under-20 FIFA World Cup pits the best young football players against each other in a tournament to crown a global champion.
Superstars like Erling Haaland, Paul Pogba, Lionel Messi, and many other elite stars were at one time pushing for a title at this very tournament.
England, France, Brazil, Italy, and many other top countries will be competing, as will the United States and hosts Argentina.
The Sporting News brings you all the info on the U-20 World Cup, including the host nation, why it was moved, and when it will be held.
MORE: Which teams qualified for the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina?
When 2023 U20 World Cup starts?
The men's 2023 Under-20 FIFA World Cup will be held in Argentina and will be staged from Saturday, May 20 through the final on Sunday, June 11.
Argentina becomes the second nation to host the men's U-20 World Cup twice, having previously hosted in 2001. The only other country to host twice is Australia, who did so in 1981 and 1993.
| Round | Dates |
| Group Stage | May 20 - May 28 |
| Round of 16 | May 30 - June 1 |
| Quarterfinals | June 3 - June 4 |
| Semifinals | June 8 |
| 3rd Place | June 11 |
| Finals | June 11 |
MORE: Why Indonesia was stripped of hosting duties
Why 2023 U20 World Cup moved from Indonesia to Argentina
Indonesia were originally named as hosts for the 2021 tournament in October 2019 after beating out fellow bids from Brazil, Peru, Thailand/Myanmar and Bahrain/Saudi Arabia/UAE.
Following the cancellation of the 2021 U-20 World Cup due to scheduling issues impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia automatically became hosts for the 2023 edition.
A new host, however, became needed on March 29, 2023 after FIFA stripped the Asian nation of hosting rights. FIFA's decision to change hosts was the result of Indonesia refusing to host Israel's national team.
Indonesia doesn't have formal diplomatic ties with Israel due to its support of Palestine, and Indonesians recently protested in the country demanding Israel not be allowed to compete in the U-20 World Cup. The unsafe situation resulted in Indonesia being withdrawn from consideration for hosting duties.
With the draw being delayed in late March due to Indonesia's stance, FIFA were left with no other choice but to make a change. "FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023," a FIFA statement said.
Argentina quickly emerged as the frontrunner to be named the new host nation, and official confirmation came just a month later. The Albiceleste are actually the most successful nation in U-20 World Cup history having won the title six times, but notably failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament, and as hosts will now be able to compete.
Who qualified for 2023 U20 World Cup?
As has become custom, the 2023 Under-20 World Cup will consist of 24 nations with only the host automatically qualifying.
After Indonesia were stripped of hosting duties, that berth was transferred to the new 2023 hosts Argentina.
| Country | Region (Confederation) |
|---|---|
| Iraq | Asia (AFC) |
| Japan | Asia (AFC) |
| South Korea | Asia (AFC) |
| Uzbekistan | Asia (AFC) |
| Gambia | Africa (CAF) |
| Nigeria | Africa (CAF) |
| Senegal | Africa (CAF) |
| Tunisia | Africa (CAF) |
| Dominican Republic | N. America (CONCACAF) |
| Guatemala | N. America (CONCACAF) |
| Honduras | N. America (CONCACAF) |
| USA | N. America (CONCACAF) |
| Brazil | S. America (CONMEBOL) |
| Colombia | S. America (CONMEBOL) |
| Ecuador | S. America (CONMEBOL) |
| Uruguay | S. America (CONMEBOL) |
| Fiji | Oceania (OFC) |
| New Zealand | Oceania (OFC) |
| England | Europe (UEFA) |
| France | Europe (UEFA) |
| Israel | Europe (UEFA) |
| Italy | Europe (UEFA) |
| Slovakia | Europe (UEFA) |
| Argentina | Host |
Who won the last U20 World Cup?
Ukraine are the reigning men's Under-20 World Cup champions having defeated South Korea 3-1 in the 2019 final.
Ukraine had previously never won the title and beat Colombia and Italy in the knockouts en route to the trophy.
Notably, Ukraine failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament and won't be able to defend their title.
