The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be hosted by Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025, marking the country’s second time hosting the event after 1987. A total of 24 national teams will compete across four host cities—Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Talca—playing 52 matches.
The official emblem reflects Chile’s geography and culture, while the mascot, Vito the Vizcacha, represents youth, energy, and vitality. The group stage draw placed host nation Chile in Group A with New Zealand, Japan, and Egypt.
This tournament is expected to highlight the next generation of global football stars, continuing its legacy as one of FIFA’s most important youth competitions.
Tournament Format
The tournament format for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile:
1. Teams & Groups
• 24 national teams from six FIFA confederations.
• Divided into 6 groups (A–F) with 4 teams each.
• Each team plays 3 group-stage matches (round-robin within the group).
2. Points System (Group Stage)
• Win = 3 points
• Draw = 1 point
• Loss = 0 points
• Ranking is decided by:
1. Points
2. Goal difference
3. Goals scored
4. Head-to-head record
5. Fair play record or drawing of lots (if needed)
3. Knockout Qualification
• 16 teams advance:
Top 2 teams from each group (12 teams)
4 best third-placed teams (across all groups)
4. Knockout Stages
• Round of 16 → 16 teams
• Quarterfinals → 8 teams
• Semifinals → 4 teams
• Final & Third-place playoff
All knockout matches are single elimination. If level after 90 minutes:
• Extra time (2 × 15 minutes)
• Penalty shootout if still tied
5. Total Matches
• 52 matches across all stages:
- 36 in group stage
- 16 in knockouts (Round of 16 → Final + 3rd place)
Matches in September 2025
The Group Stage matches scheduled for September 2025 in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile:
Saturday, 27 September 2025
• Japan vs Egypt – 17:00 local time, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago.
• South Korea vs Ukraine – 17:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
• Chile vs New Zealand – 20:00, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
• Paraguay vs Panama – 20:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
Sunday, 28 September 2025
• Italy vs Australia – 16:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
• Morocco vs Spain – 16:00, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
• Brazil vs Mexico – 19:00, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
• Cuba vs Argentina – 19:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
Monday, 29 September 2025
• France vs South Africa – 16:00, Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua.
• Norway vs Nigeria – 16:00, Estadio Fiscal, Talca.
• Colombia vs Saudi Arabia – 19:00, Estadio Fiscal, Talca.
• United States vs New Caledonia – 19:00, Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua.
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
• Egypt vs New Zealand – 16:00, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
• Panama vs Ukraine – 16:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
• Chile vs Japan – 19:00, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
• South Korea vs Paraguay – 19:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso.
Venues in Use (September 27–30, 2025)
The venue details for all the September 2025 matches of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile:
1. Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos – Santiago
• Capacity: ~48,000
• Chile’s national stadium and main venue for the tournament.
• Hosted: Opening match (Japan vs Egypt), Chile’s group games, and several major clashes like Brazil vs Mexico.
• Matches in September:
- 27 Sep: Japan vs Egypt, Chile vs New Zealand
- 28 Sep: Morocco vs Spain, Brazil vs Mexico
- 30 Sep: Egypt vs New Zealand, Chile vs Japan
2. Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander – Valparaíso
• Capacity: ~20,000
• Named after Chilean football legend Elías Figueroa.
• Coastal venue with a rich football history.
• Matches in September:
- 27 Sep: South Korea vs Ukraine, Paraguay vs Panama
- 28 Sep: Italy vs Australia, Cuba vs Argentina
- 30 Sep: Panama vs Ukraine, South Korea vs Paraguay
3. Estadio El Teniente – Rancagua
• Capacity: ~14,000
• Known for hosting domestic club matches and parts of Copa América 2015.
• Matches in September:
- 29 Sep: France vs South Africa, USA vs New Caledonia
4. Estadio Fiscal – Talca
• Capacity: ~16,000
• Multi-use stadium, home to Rangers de Talca.
• Matches in September:
- 29 Sep: Norway vs Nigeria, Colombia vs Saudi Arabia
Importance of September in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The importance of the September 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament window:
1. Kickoff of the Tournament
• The World Cup opens on 27 September 2025 in Santiago, marking the official start of the 24th edition of this global youth championship.
• Opening ceremonies, emblem/motif displays, and the first matches (including host Chile) generate worldwide excitement.
2. Host Nation Spotlight
• Chile plays its first two group matches in September (vs New Zealand & Japan).
• These games are crucial for building local momentum, ensuring packed stadiums, and showcasing Chilean football culture to the world.
3. Initial Group Stage Battles
• 16 matches are played in September (27–30 September), setting the tone for the entire tournament.
• Early results often determine which teams emerge as early favorites or face uphill battles.
• Powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, Spain, USA, and France all debut in this period.
4. Scouting Rising Stars
• September games give clubs and scouts worldwide their first look at the next generation of talents.
• Historically, many breakout stars (Messi, Pogba, Haaland) first impressed in the opening days of this tournament.
5. Cultural & Economic Boost
• The tournament’s start in September brings a surge in tourism, broadcasting, and sponsorship activity in Chile.
• Global attention is focused on Chilean cities—Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, Talca—boosting their international visibility.
6. Momentum for the Knockouts
• The September matches decide early group leaders before October continues with the second and third rounds of group play.
• Strong September performances can almost guarantee a spot in the Round of 16.
Conclusion
The September 2025 fixtures of the FIFA U-20 World Cup mark the beginning of a global journey where young talents step onto the world stage. With Chile hosting the tournament for the second time, the opening matches set the tone—combining passion, culture, and competitive spirit across Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, and Talca. These early encounters not only decide the first steps toward qualification for the knockout stages but also provide a stage for the future stars of world football to showcase their skills. September thus holds immense importance, acting as the foundation upon which the drama, excitement, and legacy of the 2025 edition will be built.
_______
Thanks for reading
For More : Sports