Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa begin FIFA U-20 World Cup campaigns in Chile
Morocco will be first in action, facing Spain in their Group C opener on Sunday at 11:00 pm at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Ñuñoa.
Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria are set to begin their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaigns in Chile over the next two days, carrying Africa’s hopes after Egypt suffered a 2-0 opening defeat to Japan on Saturday.
Morocco will be first in action, facing Spain in their Group C opener on Sunday at 11:00 pm at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Ñuñoa.
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The Atlas Cubs, returning to the tournament after a 20-year absence, face a tough group that also includes Brazil and Mexico. Morocco will be aiming to replicate their remarkable fourth-place finish at the Netherlands 2005.
On Monday, both South Africa and Nigeria will take to the field, with fixtures scheduled for 11:00 pm at the Estadio El Teniente and the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, respectively.
South Africa will meet France in their Group E opener, a pool that also features the United States and New Caledonia.
Nigeria, Africa’s most experienced U-20 side with 14 tournament appearances, will face Norway in their Group F opener. The Flying Eagles are drawn with Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, aiming to build on a record that includes two runner-up finishes in 1989 and 2005.
Meanwhile, Egypt face pressure in Group A after their 2-0 loss to Japan. The Young Pharaohs, making their ninth tournament appearance and first since 2011, must beat New Zealand on Tuesday night to remain in contention. Group A also includes host Chile.
The three teams yet to play now carry the weight of Africa’s challenge to end a 16-year wait for another title, last achieved when Ghana stunned Brazil to win the 2009 edition.
The tournament runs until October 20 and features 24 teams from six confederations. Group B includes the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, Paraguay, and Panama, while Group D features Italy, Australia, Cuba, and Argentina.
Now in its 24th edition, the tournament retains its familiar format, with six groups of four teams each. The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages, joined by the four best third-placed teams.
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