Meet All 24 U20 FIFA World Cup Qualified Countries: Nigeria Among Finalists for 2025 Showpiece in Chile

Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after defeating Senegal on penalties in the quarter-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tense match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, but the Flying Eagles kept calm to win 3-1 in the penalty shootout. With this win, Nigeria booked their 14th appearance at the U20 World Cup and kept their dream alive of winning the title for the first time.

The seven-time African champions have finished as runners-up twice – in 1989 and 2005 – and will now aim to go all the way in Chile later this year.

Nigeria were later joined by Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa as the four African representatives for the tournament.

Morocco beat Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time, while South Africa also needed extra time to defeat DR Congo by the same scoreline. Hosts Egypt secured their place after beating Ghana 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

The African quartet completed the 24-team list for the FIFA U20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.

Chile automatically qualify as hosts. The other 23 teams booked their spots through regional qualifying tournaments across six football confederations.

Full List of Qualified Countries for the 2025 U20 World Cup:

Africa (CAF):

• Nigeria

• Egypt

• Morocco

• South Africa

Asia (AFC):

• Australia

• Japan

• Saudi Arabia

• South Korea

Europe (UEFA):

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Norway

• Ukraine

North, Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF):

• United States of America

• Mexico

• Panama

• Cuba

South America (CONMEBOL):

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Colombia

• Paraguay

• Chile (hosts)

Oceania (OFC):

• New Zealand

• New Caledonia

New Caledonia will be making their first-ever appearance at the U20 World Cup, while Morocco return to the tournament for the first time since 2005. Several other countries such as Chile, Cuba, Egypt, Paraguay, Spain, and Australia are also making a comeback after missing recent editions.

Notable Absentees

There are a few big names missing from the tournament. Defending champions Uruguay failed to qualify – their first absence since 2005. Other strong sides like Honduras, Ecuador, and Israel (third place in 2023) will also be absent.

England, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Fiji, Guatemala, Slovakia, Tunisia, and Uzbekistan failed to return after playing in the last edition.

Past Winners and Finalists

Out of the 24 teams, only five countries have previously lifted the trophy:

• Argentina – 6 titles

• Brazil – 5 titles

• France, Spain, Ukraine – 1 title each

Countries like Nigeria, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Italy have reached the final in past editions but are yet to win the tournament.

Meanwhile, Norway and Cuba will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

As the countdown to Chile 2025 begins, all eyes will be on the Flying Eagles and other young stars hoping to make history on the world stage.