JAKARTA – The International Football Federation (FIFA) has officially released the schedule for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. The age group competition will be held from May 20 to June 11, 2021.
The U-20 World Cup should have been held in 2021. However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the international soccer parent to move the schedule to next year.
"In December 2020, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau decided to cancel the 2021 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and appointed the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to host the competition in 2023," said FIFA's official statement on their website.
"After discussions with PSSI, as well as consultations with all confederations, the Bureau has confirmed the tournament will be played from 20 May to 11 June 2023."
So far, four teams have been confirmed to be fighting in the biennial event, including Indonesia, which has host status. The other three teams that have already got tickets are Italy, England and France.
The three European teams will certainly get tickets to Indonesia after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 U-19 Euro Cup competition. France U-19 currently occupies the top position of Group A, winning on goal difference over Italy.
It is impossible for Romania and Slovakia to catch points for both teams. For this reason, France and Italy only won the status of group winners to reach the last four of Euro 2022.
Meanwhile, England U-19 will certainly qualify after topping the standings in Group B. One ticket from this group is likely to be obtained by Israel or Serbia. Israel will play their last match against England, while Serbia will meet Austria.
The U-20 World Cup in Indonesia will be attended by 24 teams from six confederations. The composition is five Asian teams (AFC), four North American teams (Concacaf), four South American teams (CONMEBOL), two Oceanian teams (OFC), four African teams (CAF) and five European teams (UEFA).
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