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24th FIFA U20 World Cup: Santiago set to host tournament draws as host cities gear up for finals
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The draw ceremony for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals is scheduled to occur in Santiago, the capital of Chile, on Thursday. The event will take place at Chilevision’s Machasa studios starting at 6pm local time (1pm Nigeria time).
Chilean journalist Javiera Naranjo will be the host for the event. FIFA’s Director of Tournaments, Jaime Yarza, will oversee the draw, with assistance from former Argentine FIFA U20 World Cup champion and 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup star Juan Pablo Sorin.
Nigeria is among the four nations representing Africa, alongside African U20 champions South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt. All 24 participating countries have been confirmed, with New Caledonia making its debut at the tournament set for September 27th to October 19th.
Defending champions Uruguay, who triumphed over Italy 1-0 in the 2023 final held in Buenos Aires, did not qualify this time. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay will represent South America.
Argentina, the hosts in 2023, have claimed the title six times, although they have not won in the last 18 years. Brazil has secured the championship five times.
The name ‘Chile’ brings back fond memories for Nigerians, as it was in this country a decade ago that Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen made his mark, winning the Golden Boot for top scorer with an impressive 10 goals and the Silver Ball for second-best player, contributing to Nigeria’s fifth FIFA U17 World Cup title.
Chile has previously hosted significant tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup finals in 1962, the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as the FIFA U20 World Cup), where Nigeria was eliminated in the group stage, and the 2008 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, where the Falconets reached the quarter-finals.
Matches will be held in Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Talca, all situated in the central region of the country.
