FIFA U20 WORLD CUP CHILE 2025

The FIFA U-20 World Cup Bursts Into Life in Chile

When the FIFA U-20 World Cup began in Chile on September 27, it didn’t tiptoe onto the stage — it kicked the doors wide open. The opening round of matches delivered everything youth football promises at its best: drama, chaos, last-minute heartbreak, and flashes of brilliance from players desperate to announce themselves to the world.

In Santiago, the host nation Chile gave their fans a night they’ll never forget. After a tense first half, Lautaro Millán broke the deadlock with a sharp finish, sending the crowd into raptures. But football loves a twist. In the 85th minute, New Zealand’s Nathan Walker silenced the stadium by burying a penalty to level the match. Just when it felt like the upset was on, defender Ian Garguez etched his name into local legend, bundling home the winner in the 97th minute. The eruption from the Chilean faithful said it all — their World Cup dream was alive.

Elsewhere in Group A, Japan were clinical and composed in a 2-0 win over Egypt, with Rion Ichihara’s ice-cold penalty and Hisatsugu Ishii’s second sealing the deal.

Group B carried its own chaos. Paraguay edged Panama 3-2 in a thriller, while Ukraine battled past South Korea 2-1, showcasing the grit and determination that has defined their football in recent years.

But Group C stole the spotlight. Morocco stunned one of the tournament favorites, Spain, with a 2-0 masterclass — Yassir Zabiri and Gessime Yassine providing the finishing touches to an upset that sent shockwaves across Chile. Later, Brazil and Mexico produced the kind of spectacle fans dream of. Mexico struck first through Alexei Domínguez, only for Brazil’s Coutinho and Luighi to turn the game on its head. With the Seleção seemingly on course for victory, Diego Ochoa rose high in the 86th minute to thunder home a header and snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw. It was youth football distilled into pure theater: fearless, unpredictable, unforgettable.

Group D provided its own blend of history and heartbreak. Italy scraped by Australia thanks to a Mattia Mannini penalty, but the real story came in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Cuba. Alejo Sarco scored twice, Ian Subiabre added a third, and Cuban defender Karel Pérez delivered a moment of history with his nation’s first-ever U-20 World Cup goal.

Today, the United States make their tournament debut against New Caledonia, eager to plant their flag in Group E. France will join them in action against South Africa, while Group F closes out the first round with Norway vs. Nigeria and Colombia vs. Saudi Arabia.

If opening weekend was any indication, Chile 2025 won’t just be another youth World Cup. It’s shaping up to be a carnival of goals, upsets, and rising stars.

SPONSORED BY COLLEGE COACHES SKILLS CAMP

The Future of College Soccer Starts Here.

The pathway to college soccer just got a massive upgrade. Footy Access is proud to announce our official partnership with College Coaches Skills Camp — a national leader in connecting players to the next level.

For years, CCSC has provided opportunities for players to showcase their talent in front of college coaches across the country. Now, with Footy Access stepping in, we’re bringing unmatched media coverage, storytelling, and exposure to the athletes and programs in order to chase their collegiate goals.

This partnership isn’t just about camps — it’s about creating a movement. Together, we’ll shine a brighter light on youth soccer to college soccer, giving fans, families, and coaches a front-row seat to the process.

What This Means for the Game

• Exclusive coverage from CCSC’s boys’ and girls’ showcases, highlighting the players you need to know.

• Enhanced college rankings content, now presented by CCSC, making the pathway clearer and more connected than ever.

• Stories that matter — from interviews to behind-the-scenes access, we’ll bring the college soccer grind to life like never before.

This is more than a partnership — it’s a promise. A promise to raise the standard of coverage, to give athletes the visibility they deserve, and to keep parents, players, and fans connected to the heartbeat of the college game.

We’ve got camps, rankings, highlights, and stories on the way — and this is just the beginning.

Footy Access x CCSC.
The next step in the journey starts now.

MLS NEXT Pro: History Made in Kansas City and Chicago

The headlines in MLS NEXT Pro belonged to the youngest of the young. In Kansas City, Zamir Loyo Reynaga became the first player born in 2011 to make his debut in the league, stepping onto the field for Sporting KC II at just 14 years old. Already capped at the youth level by both the U.S. and Mexico, his international journey will be one to watch.

In Chicago, Robert Turdean etched his name into history by becoming the first player born in 2010 to score in MLS NEXT Pro, finding the net in Fire II’s 5-2 defeat to Atlanta United 2. That same night, teammate Brody Williams, also from the 2010 class, made his professional debut — underlining Chicago’s commitment to giving academy players real opportunities.

Elsewhere, Prince Forfor continued to shine for Columbus Crew 2, providing two assists from left back. But it was FC Cincinnati 2’s Stefan Chirila who stole the headlines in that matchup, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 3-2 win. In Orlando, Gustavo Caraballo added his fourth goal of the season for OCB, while in Atlanta, Gabriel Wesseh hit double-digit goal contributions after a goal and an assist, with teammate Ignacio Suárez-Couri registering his first professional assist.

Across the Atlantic: Mathis Albert Shines for Dortmund

While MLS NEXT was buzzing stateside, one of its alumni lit up Europe. Mathis Albert, who joined Borussia Dortmund from the LA Galaxy academy, scored his first U19 hat trick in a 4-0 win over Mainz.

At just 17, Albert’s numbers are staggering: nine goals and six assists in eight matches. Already playing against older opposition, his mix of pace, technical skill, and composure in front of goal is turning heads across Germany.

Albert has even been included in Dortmund’s FIFA Club World Cup roster and continues to feature in UEFA Youth League action, with head coach Niko Kovač praising his steady development. While the club is carefully managing his rise, it’s clear Albert is on the fast track. For a player who only recently left MLS academies, his progress is another sign of the growing American footprint in Europe.