It is now official: Argentina will host the next edition of the Men’s Under-20 World Cup. It is due to take place from 20 May to 11 June. The decision had been in the air since FIFA withdrew the world tournament from Indonesia, due to the refusal of its authorities to host the Israeli team. It was confirmed on Monday 17 April by the board of the international body. Against all expectations, Argentina had applied to replace Indonesia, despite the absence of its national team in the final phase of the tournament. A FIFA delegation visited Argentina to inspect the stadiums and infrastructure involved in the project. Following this, an organisational agreement was signed between FIFA and the local authorities. The Under-20 World Cup will bring together 24 teams, divided into six pools of four. As a result of the change of host country, Argentina will take Indonesia’s place on the pitch. The official draw for the tournament will take place on Friday 21 April at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Argentina’s decision to act as firefighters with just over a month to go before the tournament is a good sign for FIFA. It will undoubtedly further strengthen the chances of the South American project, led by Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay, to win the organisation of the World Cup in 2030.
