JAKARTA - The International Football Federation (FIFA) has finally announced the country designated as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
FIFA has officially appointed Argentina as the host to replace Indonesia. This was conveyed directly by the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, on Tuesday, April 18, early morning WIB.
"FIFA proudly announced that this year's edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be located in Argentina, when the home of the world champions opens its doors to world football star candidates," Infantino said in his official statement.
The tournament will take place from May 20 to June 11. Meanwhile, the draw will be held in Zurich on April 21.
Following the cancellation of Indonesia's status as host of the tournament, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) volunteered as a substitute for which FIFA followed up by first inspecting a number of proposed stadiums and supporting infrastructure for the South American country last week.
With this appointment, Argentina has the right to compete in the U-20 World Cup as the host to replace Indonesia.
Argentina is the most successful country in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after winning the tournament six times, most recently in 2007. The country also hosted the competition in 2001.
"I would like to thank AFA and in particular to President Claudio Tapia, as well as local government authorities, for their commitment to hold this extraordinary event in a brief notification," said Infantino.
"The U-20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA's efforts to promote young football around the world. Since 1977, this tournament has spawned a number of the world's greatest players in decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland, and many others."
"Getting this year's edition in a country that lives and breathes with football will be a huge inspiration for potential stars," continued Infantino.
Previously, on March 29, FIFA officially revoked Indonesia's status as host of the U-20 World Cup amid a wave of rejections that emerged against the presence of the Israeli national team.
However, FIFA did not reveal the exact reason for the cancellation of Indonesia as the host, simply citing the consideration of "the current situation."
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