Concacaf’s Road to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup | OneFootball

MIAMI – Four Concacaf nations will vie to become world champions when the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 kicks off on September 27, featuring 24 countries in the 24th edition of the tournament.

Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and the United States earned their place in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup by reaching the semifinals of the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

As the start of the tournament nears, we take a look at the Road to the U-20 World Cup of the four Concacaf participants.

Cuba

Cuba secured its second-ever participation in the U-20 World Cup, making its return after debuting in the 2013 edition. The Caribbean nation went 1-1-1 in Group A by tying with Costa Rica, falling against the United States, and winning against Jamaica.

Los Leones del Caribe went to the limit against Honduras, winning 5-3 on penalties in the Quarterfinals to obtain their berth in the World Championship. Cuba fell to eventual Concacaf U-20 Championship winners Mexico in the Semifinals.

Goalkeeper Yurdy Hodelin took the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper Award, leading the competition with 23 saves, and was named to the Best XI alongside defender Karel Pérez.

Mexico

Champions of the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship, Mexico secured its 17th participation in the U-20 World Cup, returning after its last appearance at the 2019 edition. Mexico went undefeated in the tournament, first conquering Group C with a 2-1-0 record before defeating Costa Rica in the Quarterfinals and Cuba in the Semifinals.

Down 1-nil to the United States, Mexico mounted a comeback to win 2-1 in the Final. Mateo Levy struck in second-half stoppage time to equalize and force extra time before Diego Ochoa scored the match-winning goal in the 120'+1’. Both continue with the U-20 squad as Mexico seeks to win its first title.

Panama

Panama secured its seventh participation in the U-20 World Cup, making its return after last appearing in the 2019 edition. The Central American nation went 2-1-0 in Group C by winning against Guatemala and Haiti, before tying against Mexico.

Los Canaleros outlasted Canada 2-1 after extra time in the Quarterfinals to obtain their berth in the U-20 World Cup. Panama fell to the United States by the minimal difference in the Semifinals.

Rafael Mosquera was one of the standout players of the Concacaf U-20 Championship, with three goals and one assist to earn a Best XI nod.

United States

As runners-up in the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship, the United States secured its 18th participation in the U-20 World Cup. The Stars and Stripes went a perfect 3-0-0 to win Group A in the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship, boasting the best offense and defense in the Group Stage with 14 goals for and zero against.

The U.S. defeated Guatemala in the Quarterfinals to earn its sixth consecutive U-20 World Cup appearance. After defeating Panama in the Semifinals, the U.S. finished second after an extra-time classic against Mexico.

Nikolas Tsakiris, winner of the Best Player Award, presented by Scotiabank, and fellow Best XI selection, Brooklyn Raines, highlight the U-20 World Cup roster.