Morocco delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. This outcome disappointed Argentina, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, though they last claimed the title in 2007. The defeat also cast a shadow over South America, given that the tournament was held in Chile, a location usually seen as advantageous, and this age group is often viewed as pivotal for the senior national teams.
Yet, there’s a silver lining. Argentina’s and Colombia‘s performances secured second and third places for South America. Moreover, a broader consideration emerges: the U20 World Cup may no longer fulfill its intended purpose. With improved facilities and better protection for young talents, more teenagers are excelling with top clubs, often leading to their absence from the tournament since clubs are not required to release them.
– Dove: Did the U20 World Cup reveal the next Cristiano Ronaldo?
– Di María demonstrates to Neymar that a triumphant comeback is achievable
– Strong national team, strong league? That’s not the case in Argentina or Brazil.
Thus, this World Cup appears to be a rather random assortment of players, including those whose participation was secured by the federations, which inevitably impacts the overall quality. The Uruguay team that clinched the 2023 title exemplifies this: none of their players have made a significant impact on Marcelo Bielsa’s senior squad thus far.
Despite these criticisms, the U20 World Cup remains captivating and undeniably provides a platform for emerging talents while offering invaluable experience. This piece highlights South American players who shined in Chile over the past few weeks. The pressing question, however, is whether any of them might earn a spot on next year’s senior World Cup squad, and who appears to have the brightest prospects.
The Argentine captain, a left back for Bournemouth, has already participated in senior national team World Cup qualifiers. He was included in the last two matches of the campaign and, given Argentina’s lack of depth in that position, he stands a reasonable chance of making the senior squad next year.
Nevertheless, the U20 World Cup hasn’t particularly strengthened his case for advancement. His future may hinge on securing regular playing time in the Premier League. While Soler displays solid fundamentals, he comes across more as steady than as an electrifying talent.
The search for a young, elite center back remains a critical need for Argentina, particularly since they haven’t successfully refreshed that area of coach Lionel Scaloni’s lineup since the Qatar World Cup. Unfortunately, this U20 squad did not provide any promising options.
Argentina’s loss stemmed from their defensive struggles in the first half, as Morocco exploited their speed on the counterattack.
Among the standout players was an attacking midfielder, a youth talent emerging from the extensive pipeline at Velez Sarsfield. Previously a star at the Under-17 level, he secured a transfer to Benfica.
However, his venture to Portugal hasn’t yet met expectations—hence his release for this tournament—and he has not yet seen first-team action. Initially starting as a backup in Chile, Prestianni capitalized on injuries to emerge as the team’s primary playmaker.
Despite not scoring, his contributions grew in importance with each match due to his quick footwork, vision for passing, and ability to shift pace with the ball—indicative of true footballing speed.
Argentina will be hoping this tournament helps him regain his momentum.
Selected as the third-best player of the tournament was a holding midfielder from Boca Juniors. Despite standing at just 5-foot-5, he boasts significant talent and a formidable presence. Delgado excels at regaining possession, orchestrating play, and delivering quality passes to the forwards.
During Fernando Gago’s tenure at Boca, Delgado enjoyed ample playing time, maximizing his opportunities. However, with a coaching change and the arrival of Leandro Paredes, his chances have diminished. Yet, having showcased his worth on the global stage, he should soon reclaim his spot in the first team.
As for his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad? It seems unlikely, but getting back into Boca’s starting XI would certainly provide a springboard.
Colombia, after falling to Argentina in the semifinals, triumphed over France to secure third place. Their standout player was a center forward from Villarreal, who impressed earlier in the qualifying tournament but truly came alive in the knockout rounds, scoring twice against South Africa and netting a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Spain.
He affectionately calls himself “Ney,” in homage to Neymar, though his playing style is quite different: he is a no-nonsense striker, a proficient and powerful finisher with both feet. Currently with Millonarios in Colombia, he is reportedly on the cusp of transferring to Cruzeiro in Brazil, all while garnering interest from European clubs.
The question remains: will he be the latest Colombian prospect to not live up to expectations? This concern is valid, especially since Villarreal was sidelined during the semifinal due to a silly yellow card received in the match against Spain.
Colombia’s center-forward talent pool is lacking depth, particularly after Jhon Durán faltered. Hence, there is a possibility that Villarreal could secure a spot in the 26-man squad next year, though he must earn the trust of coach Nestor Lorenzo through consistent performances at his club, irrespective of where he plays.
Paraguay‘s senior coach, Gustavo Alfaro, is known for giving young talent an opportunity. He was likely impressed by Quintana, the team captain, during the tournament.
Quintana, a center-back for Cerro Porteño, one of Paraguay’s biggest clubs, has been in and around the first team for over two years, showing notable improvement in recent months. Under the guidance of former international defender Antolin Alcaraz, he has evolved into a more complete player compared to the one who participated in the qualifying tournament earlier this year.
In Chile, Quintana exuded a calm and composed presence while displaying the typical resilience associated with Paraguayan defenders. His promising future is evident, and if he continues to perform strongly at club level and Alfaro maintains his trend of nurturing youth, he may even have an outside chance of making the World Cup squad.