Lionel Messi proved his class once again when sending a heartfelt message to Argentina’s promising youngsters after seeing them suffer an agonising defeat to Morocco in the FIFA U20 World Cup final. The Albiceleste are the current holders of the global crown at senior level and had been hoping to capture another in the youth ranks. Messi has offered his support after seeing that dream crushed in dramatic fashion.
FIFA is rolling out a brand new VAR challenge initiative that gives managers the power to use purple and blue cards during matches to request a decision review from the referee, but it threatens to lead to even more frustrating delays. The cards are currently being tested at the 2025 Under-20 World Cup in Chile and in other smaller-scale tournaments and leagues.
Elyaz Zidane, son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, is emerging as one of the brightest revelations of the U-20 World Cup in Chile. Playing at the heart of France’s defence, the 19-year-old has logged the most minutes in Bernard Diomede’s side, displaying composure and maturity that go beyond his age and the immense weight of his surname.
The United States made a deep run into the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, but that came to a halt in the quarterfinals - their fifth tournament in a row reaching that round - as Morocco won 3-1 on Sunday. Despite Cole Campbell's first-half equalizer, Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a second-half own goal from Joshua Wynder and a late counterattack strike.
Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has tempered expectations after the United States’ impressive 3-0 victory over Italy in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Lalas acknowledged the achievement but emphasized that American youth teams have reached similar stages before. The U.S. secured their fifth straight trip the quarterfinals.
The U.S. U20 men’s national team had a commanding performance on Thursday, defeating Italy 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Parma midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi extended his strong scoring form at the tournament with a brace, while San Jose Earthquakes’ Niko Tsakiris added a brilliant free kick.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre believes Tijuana's rising star Gilberto Mora needs a new challenge abroad. After the 16-year-old’s standout performances for club and country, Aguirre urged him to “push into a different environment” by joining a European team competing in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
The U.S. under-20 men's national team finished atop their group at the World Cup despite a 2-1 loss to South Africa in Sunday's group stage finale. Even with the defeat, the U.S. finished as group winners due to the favorable goal differential generated from their dominant opening win against New Caledonia - a 9-1 rout.
Chelsea are pursuing the signature of Nigerian wonderkid Abduljelil Kamaldeen. The 16-year-old is currently representing his country at the U20 World Cup in Chile. Kamaldeen flashed his potential during a brief cameo in the Flying Eagles' 1-0 defeat against Norway on Monday; he is expected to start in Nigeria's next group stage game against Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
Benjamin Cremaschi wasted no time stamping his authority on the U20 World Cup opener in Chile, as the U.S. routed New Caledonia 9-1 on Monday. The Parma midfielder struck twice inside the opening minutes to put Marko Mitrović’s team firmly in control, later completing a hat-trick. Niko Tsakiris opened up the scoring in the seventh minute for the U.S.
There are several notable names on coach Marko Mitrović's U.S. men's national team roster for the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile, announced Friday by the federation. Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, now with Parma on loan, leads a squad that features several rising MLS stars, along with Dortmund's highly-touted prospect, Cole Campbell.
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