FIFA U-20 World Cup: Rising Stars Return
The countdown is nearly over. The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup officially begins on September 27th in Chile, running through October 19th, and it is set to showcase some of the best young talent the game has to offer. With 24 teams competing for global recognition, this tournament has long been a proving ground for future stars who often go on to shine at the highest levels of soccer. Fans will remember that previous U-20 World Cups launched the international careers of players like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
This year, anticipation is equally high, as scouts from top European clubs will be watching every move of breakout prospects. Many young rising stars are not competing in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, like Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, because of their rise to the senior level early in their careers. Sousa is a Brazilian forward already signed by Real Madrid, who has achieved international glory due to his tremendous skill and breakout career early on. This, as a result, due to club obligations, prevented his participation in this tournament.
A previous player in the qualifiers, one to watch is Claudio Echeverri, the Argentine midfielder widely tipped to become the next force for his country. Nicknamed “El Diablito,” the 19-year-old has already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his close control, vision, and ability to dictate play. He captained Argentina during the South American U-20 Championship earlier this year, where he showcased his leadership and attacking flair. He remains one of the most exciting young talents in world soccer, and scouts will continue monitoring his progress closely as he develops into a potential superstar.
In the host nation, Chile, the pressure and pride of competing on home soil will be immense. Young talents from the Chilean domestic league will have a chance to impress their supporters in packed stadiums, hoping to push their nation through the group stage. One of these talents is Juan Francisco Rossel, often nicknamed “the Lamine Yamal chileno” because of his strong performances and great potential. However, the challenge will be tough with traditional powerhouses like Brazil and Nigeria that historically perform well in youth tournaments.
The format for U-20 World Cups remains straightforward. The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four. The top two sides from each group, along with the four best third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 16. From there, the knockout rounds begin, coming to an end in the World Cup Final in Santiago on October 19th.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup is about more than just lifting a trophy. It is a stage where future stars showcase their skills, resilience, and potential to take the next step in their careers. From dazzling goals to game-changing assists, every match offers a glimpse into the footballing superstars of tomorrow. As the tournament begins in Chile, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see which rising stars seize the moment and etch their names into the history of world football.
