The draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 has handed four African nations challenging group stage assignments, with each side facing a demanding path to the knockout stages following Thursday’s ceremony in Santiago.
Egypt have been placed in Group A alongside hosts Chile, New Zealand and Japan, presenting the Pharaohs with a challenging opening assignment when the tournament kicks off from 27 September to 19 October.
Morocco face perhaps the most daunting group of all African representatives, drawn in Group C with five-time champions Brazil, Mexico and Spain. The Atlas Cubs will need to be at their very best to progress from what former Argentina captain Juan Pablo Sorín described as the competition’s toughest section.
South Africa find themselves in Group E with the United States, debutants New Caledonia and France, whilst Nigeria – the continent’s most successful nation at youth level – will take on Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Norway in Group F.
The draw, conducted at Chilevisión’s Machasa studios in the Chilean capital, revealed the paths for all 24 participating teams in what will be the tournament’s 24th edition. FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza oversaw proceedings, assisted by FIFA Legend Sorín and former Chile defender Gonzalo Jara.
African nations have enjoyed considerable success at previous U-20 World Cups, with Nigeria claiming the title twice in 1985 and 2005, whilst Ghana reached the final in 2001 and 2009. Egypt have also made their mark, finishing as runners-up in 2001.
Morocco’s inclusion in Group C alongside traditional powerhouses Brazil and Spain will test their credentials against some of the tournament’s most fancied sides. Brazil, seeking to add to their five titles, will be particular favourites in a group that also features Mexico.
Egypt’s Group A assignment against hosts Chile presents both opportunity and challenge. Playing the tournament hosts in their opening fixture will provide invaluable experience, whilst matches against Japan and New Zealand offer realistic prospects of progression.
South Africa’s Group E appears more balanced, with the young Bafana Bafana hoping to capitalise on France being the only established European power in their section. New Caledonia’s tournament debut could provide an opportunity for the South Africans to secure crucial points.
Nigeria, drawn in Group F, will fancy their chances of advancing from a section that lacks an obvious favourite. The young Super Eagles’ pedigree at youth level makes them strong contenders to reach the knockout phases.
The tournament will feature 52 matches across four host cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua and Talca. Argentina, the record six-time champions, have been drawn in Group D with Italy, Australia and Cuba.
“I’m anticipating a spectacular competition. The groups are very evenly matched, although there’s always one that’s tougher than the rest, and that looks to be the case for Group C this time round,” said Sorín, who captained Argentina to victory in 1995.
Ticket sales for the global tournament begin today (Friday, 30 May) at 17:00 Chilean time with an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders. FIFA has also opened volunteer applications for residents of the four host cities who are over 18 and speak English.
The African contingent will be hoping to emulate the continent’s previous successes and potentially go one better, with all four nations possessing the talent to make significant impacts in Chile.
Full Draw Results
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Chile, New Zealand, Japan, Egypt |
| Group B | Korea Republic, Ukraine, Paraguay, Panama |
| Group C | Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Spain |
| Group D | Italy, Australia, Cuba, Argentina |
| Group E | USA, New Caledonia, France, South Africa |
| Group F | Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Nigeria |
