FIFA Announces Argentina As New Host Of U-20 World Cup

The Bureau of the FIFA Council has announced that Argentina will be the host of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2023.

This decision comes after the original host, Indonesia, was removed, and a subsequent bid was submitted by the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), followed by an on-site inspection by a FIFA delegation to Argentina last week.

During the visit, the FIFA delegation assessed the proposed tournament venues and associated infrastructure, and after reviewing all the relevant documents, the hosting agreement was signed by the AFA, along with the local authorities.

The FIFA Under-20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from 20 May to 11 June and will feature six groups of four teams. As Argentina has been awarded the hosting rights, they will also compete in the event, taking the place of Indonesia.

Argentina has a rich history in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, having won the tournament six times, with their most recent victory in 2007. The country also hosted the competition in 2001.

"FIFA is delighted to announce that this year's edition of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to tomorrow's superstars of world football," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Infantino also expressed his gratitude to the AFA and its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting the event at such short notice.

“I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice.

“The U-20 World Cup plays a key role in Fifa’s efforts to promote youth football across the world. Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others. Having this year’s edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.”

He highlighted that the Under-20 World Cup plays a crucial role in FIFA's efforts to promote youth football worldwide and has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades.

The Official Draw of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2023™ is scheduled to take place on Friday, 21 April, at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, following the confirmation of the new hosts.