Argentina have officially been named hosts of the 2023 U20 World Cup with the draw on Friday.
The reigning World Cup champions will be hosting a FIFA tournament in a month’s time. AFA president Chiqui Tapia has been working with the federation and they have reached an agreement with FIFA to become the new hosts of the tournament.
Original hosts Indonesia were removed from their duties due to political issues with Israel and it was made official on Monday that Argentina are the new hosts. The tournament will be from May 20 until June 11 with 24 teams with six groups of four teams.
As hosts of the tournament, Argentina, coached by Javier Mascherano, will be participating after having initially not qualified. FIFA president Gianni Infantino released the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
