Where is the U-20 World Cup in 2023? FIFA pulls hosting duties from Indonesia

The U-20 World Cup has rolled around for another year with the tournament giving the international stars of tomorrow an early chance to shine. 

Unlike the senior version, the U-20 World Cup is generally held every two years but hasn't been played since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a longer than usual absence, the tournament's return is highly anticipated but a late spanner has been thrown into the works after appointed hosts Indonesia were stripped of those honours on March 29, 2023. 

That decision has left FIFA scrambling to find a new host quickly with the tournament scheduled to begin on May 20. 

MORE: Who has scored the most goals in international football?

Where is U-20 World Cup being held?

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, 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. 

Argentina have quickly emerged as frontrunners to be named the new hosts with formal meetings expected in the coming days to decide if they will get the rights. 

Albiceleste are 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 would be able to compete. 

❗️Tomorrow the meeting in Paraguay between Chiqui Tapia and Infantino to define if Argentina becomes the host of the U20 World Cup. @rialjorge 🏆🇦🇷

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) March 29, 2023

Why was Indonesia pulled as host? 

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. 

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.

"A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage."

🇮🇩 Being disqualified from hosting the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023, Indonesian football may face disciplinary action from FIFA.

⛔️ A suspension could remove Indonesia from Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

🚫 While the economic losses would amount to "trillions of rupiah". pic.twitter.com/ALziX6IIdz

— ASEAN FOOTBALL (@theaseanball) March 29, 2023

Indonesia stadium disaster 

Despite this decision, FIFA have stressed their commitment to Indonesian football moving forward. 

In 2022, 135 people were killed at a match between Arema and Persebaya Surabaya folllowing a stampede at the Kanjuruhan Stadium. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Indonesdia President Joko Widodo in the aftermath of the incident with both agreeing to demolish the stadium and rebuild it according to FIFA standards. 

Indonesia hosting the U-20 World Cup would have been a significant occasion for the country but FIFA remain committed to the region. 

"FIFA would like to underline that despite this decision, it remains committed to actively assisting the PSSI, in close cooperation and with the support of the government of President Widodo, in the transformation process of Indonesian football following the tragedy that occurred in October 2022," a FIFA statement read. 

"Members of the FIFA team will continue to be present in Indonesia in the coming months and will provide the required assistance to the PSSI, under the leadership of President Thohir." 

Who has qualified for the U-20 World Cup in 2023?

As has become custom, the 2023 U-20 World Cup will consist of 24 nations with only the host automatically qualifying. 

After Indonesia were stripped as hosts, one spot remains up for grabs for whichever nation replaces it. 

Who won the last U-20 World Cup?

Ukraine are the reigning U-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 en route to the trophy.

Notably, Ukraine having failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament and won't be able to defend their title.