It’s official. Argentina have been chosen to host the Under-20 World Cup, which will kick off on Saturday 20 May and finish on Sunday 11 June. After having stripped Indonesia of hosting rights, FIFA decided to accept the offer to host from The Argentinean FA, who hosted the Under-20 World Cup back in 2001. Furthermore, the Albiceleste have won the tournament more times than any other side (7), with their most recent title coming in 2007. They will therefore have the chance to add another trophy to their collection after Messi & Co won the men’s World Cup in December in Qatar.

Italy will travel to the tournament as well; they qualified for the third consecutive edition of the competition after reaching the semi-finals of the most recent Under-19 European Championships. Carmine Nunziata’s Azzurrini, who drew in their most recent game against Germany in the Elite League, will learn their group-stage opponents on Friday 21 April when the draw takes place in Zurich. The 24 finalists will be drawn into six groups of four teams.

 “The home of the world champions has opened its doors to the footballing superstars of tomorrow,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “I want to thank the AFA and especially their president Claudio Tapia, as well as local authorities, for their commitment to hosting this event at such short notice. The Under-20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA’s efforts to promote youth football throughout the world. Since 1977, some of the biggest names in the game of the past few decades have put themselves on show, including Maradona, Messi, Pogba, Haaland and many more. Holding this year’s tournament in a country that lives and breathes football will be inspiring for these young stars.”