U20 World Cup: Africa and its five grand finals | OneFootball

U20 World Cup: Africa and its five grand finals | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Foot Africa

Foot Africa

·17 October 2025

U20 World Cup: Africa and its five grand finals

Article image:U20 World Cup: Africa and its five grand finals

Africa and its five grand finals in U20 World Cup

Article image:U20 World Cup: Africa and its five grand finals

Morocco/@FRMF


OneFootball Videos


Morocco will be aiming to deliver Africa its second ever U20 World Cup title, following Ghana’s historic triumph in 2009 U20 World Cup. The "Atlas Cubs" will go head-to-head against Argentina on Sunday, October 19, kicking off at 11pm GMT.

Historically, Africa has contested five finals at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Nigeria vs Portugal (1989)

The Flying Eagles delivered a sensational World Cup campaign, including memorable wins over the Soviet Union in the quarterfinals and the United States in the semifinals. In the final, Nigeria fell to Portugal with a 0-2 defeat.

Ghana vs Brazil (1993)

The Black Satellites stunned the tournament by defeating England in the semifinals. Despite a blistering start, Ghana narrowly lost the final to Brazil, 1-2.

Argentina vs Ghana (2001)

The Black Satellites shone once again in the 2001 edition, toppling Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals. But in the final, they were swept aside by Nigeria with a 3-0 defeat.

Nigeria vs Argentina (2005)

Once again, Argentina denied Africa its first U20 World Cup crown, edging Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

Ghana vs Brazil (2009)

It wasn’t until the 2009 edition that Africa finally broke the jinx, with Ghana clinching the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Brazil (4-3) following a goalless draw.

View publisher imprint