FIFA has replaced Indonesia with Argentina as the hosts of this year’s U-20 World Cup, the world football governing body announced today.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are one of the 24 teams that will participate in the tournament after finishing third in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The Bureau of the FIFA Council has confirmed Argentina as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023,” FIFA said in a press release made available to Naija Times.
“The decision follows the removal of the original tournament host, Indonesia, as well as a subsequent bid submitted by the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) and an on-site inspection by a FIFA delegation to the South American country last week.
“The delegation members visited the proposed tournament venues and associated infrastructure. The hosting agreement has been signed by the AFA, along with all other relevant documents on the part of the host and local authorities.”
The initial schedule remains unchanged despite the late switch in host nations, with the tournament taking place from May 20 to June 11.
Having been awarded the hosting rights to the tournament, Argentina will compete in the event in place of Indonesia, FIFA explained.
Argentina are the most successful team in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having won the tournament six times, most recently in 2007. The country also hosted the competition in 2001.
“FIFA is delighted to announce that this year’s edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to the tomorrow’s superstars of world football,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
“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.”
Following the confirmation of the new hosts, the official draw of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be held on Friday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, with the 24 teams drawn into six groups of four.
