Oceania’s Young Stars Face Tough Tests at FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025

ZURICH, Switzerland  — Oceania champions New Zealand will open their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign against host nation Chile in Santiago on September 27, following Saturday’s tournament draw that placed the Junior All Whites in a competitive Group A alongside Japan and Egypt.

In a historic moment for Pacific football, debutants New Caledonia were drawn in Group E against three-time champions France, the United States, and South Africa. The 24-nation tournament will be played across four Chilean cities from September 27 to October 19.

Group Stage Challenges

New Zealand’s Path (Group A)

• September 27: vs. Chile (Estadio Nacional, Santiago)

• September 30: vs. Egypt (Estadio Elías Figueroa, Valparaíso)

• October 3: vs. Japan (Estadio La Portada, La Serena)

“It’s a tough but exciting group,” said New Zealand U-20 coach Darren Bazeley. “Facing the hosts first is a massive challenge, but these are the moments our players need to develop.”

New Caledonia’s Debut (Group E)

• September 28: vs. France (Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar)

• October 1: vs. South Africa (Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua)

• October 4: vs. USA (Estadio La Portada, La Serena)

New Caledonia manager Michel Berbeche called the draw “a dream scenario” for his squad of mostly amateur players.

Tournament Overview

• Host Cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, Talca

• Defending Champions: Uruguay (2023)

• Oceania’s Best Finish: Australia – Runners-up (1993)

Key Storylines

• New Zealand seeks to advance from groups for first time since 2015

• New Caledonia becomes smallest nation (population: 271,000) to qualify

• Chile aims to replicate 2017 U-20 World Cup semifinal run

The full match schedule is available on FIFA’s official website.