U.S. U‑20 Men’s Team Heads to Chile for FIFA World Cup

When Marko Mitrović, head coach of the U.S. Under‑20 Men's National Team confirmed his 21‑player roster, the excitement rippled through the American soccer community. The squad is set to compete at the U‑20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025, with all group‑stage matches slated for Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. Every kickoff will be carried on Fox Sports networks, giving fans stateside a front‑row seat to what could be a defining moment for a generation of talent.

How the squad came together

Mitrović’s selection reflects a blend of home‑grown MLS prospects and overseas experience. Sixteen of the twenty‑one players ply their trade for San Diego FC, the club leading the roster count with three call‑ups. The remaining spots are dotted across other MLS franchises—Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders, and more—while five youngsters have already earned contracts abroad in Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

“We are very excited about the group of players that will represent the United States at the FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Chile,” Mitrović said in a pre‑tournament press conference. “Wearing your country’s crest in a World Cup is a special moment for every player, and as a Federation we’re proud that each player has developed through our American soccer pathway.”

Group E draw and match schedule

The United States landed in Group E alongside New Caledonia, France and South Africa. The campaign kicks off on Monday, September 29 at 7 p.m. ET against New Caledonia, followed by a Thursday, October 2 clash with France at 4 p.m. ET, and a Sunday, October 5 finale versus South Africa at the same hour. All three fixtures will be contested on the same pitch at Estadio El Teniente.

Roster breakdown

• Goalkeepers (3): Adam Beaudry (Colorado Rapids), Duran Ferree (San Diego FC), Diego Kochen (FC Barcelona)
• Defenders (7): Reed Baker‑Whiting (Seattle Sounders), Luca Bombino (San Diego FC), Noah Cobb (Colorado Rapids), Ethan Kohler (SC Verl), Nolan Norris (FC Dallas), Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union), Joshua Wynder (Benfica)
• Midfielders (6): Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC), Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma), Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew), Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo), Pedro Soma (San Diego FC), Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes)
• Forwards (5): Luke Brennan (Atlanta United), Cole Campbell (Borussia Dortmund), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution), Marcos Zambrano (Real Salt Lake)

Age‑wise, eleven players were born in 2005, eight in 2006 and two in 2007, satisfying the tournament’s eligibility rule of being born on or after 1 January 2005.

Path to Chile: the 2024 CONCACAF U‑20 Championship

The U‑20 squad earned its berth by finishing runners‑up at the 2024 CONCACAF U‑20 Championship in Mexico. The Americans stormed the group stage with a 9‑0 demolition of Jamaica, a 4‑0 win over Cuba, and a 1‑0 edge against Costa Rica. A narrow 1‑0 quarter‑final victory over Guatemala and a 2‑1 semi‑final triumph over Panama secured the ticket, before falling 2‑1 in extra time to host Mexico in the final.

Opponents in focus: South Africa’s debut showdown

The Sunday match against South Africa will mark the first ever meeting between the two nations at this level. South Africa arrived under the guidance of Raymond Mdaka, the coach who led the Bafana Bafana U‑20 side to a pristine 6‑0‑1 record at the 2025 U‑20 Africa Cup of Nations, earning the continent’s fifth World Cup slot.

South Africa’s 21‑man roster is heavily domestically based – 19 players compete in the South African Premier Division – with two plying their trade overseas in Portugal and England. Their style blends physicality with quick transitions, a contrast to the United States' possession‑oriented approach.

Why this tournament matters for U.S. Soccer

Participation aligns with U.S. Soccer’s “U.S. Way” philosophy, which emphasizes a structured pathway from youth academies to the senior national team. By exposing 21‑year‑olds to high‑stakes international competition, the federation hopes to accelerate development, boost scouting visibility, and ultimately produce a deeper pool of talent for future senior World Cup cycles.

Analysts note that the blend of MLS‑trained players and those already testing themselves in Europe offers a balanced roster capable of adapting to varied tactical challenges. If the Americans can navigate the group, a knockout run would reinforce the league’s growing reputation as a genuine talent incubator.

What’s next after the group stage?

Should the United States finish in the top two of Group E, they will advance to the round of 16, where they could face a European powerhouse or an African side, depending on other results. The exact bracket will be determined after the final group matches on October 5. Fans can expect the next round to be streamed live on Fox Sports 2 and Universo, keeping the tournament within easy reach for the North American audience.

Historical context: U.S. performance at previous U‑20 World Cups

The United States has appeared in nine FIFA U‑20 World Cups since 1989, with the best finish coming in 2007 when the team reached the quarter‑finals before falling to Austria. Earlier editions saw mixed results, often exiting in the group stage. The 2025 squad, laden with MLS prospects, represents the most MLS‑centric roster to date, indicating a shift from the historically college‑focused development model.