Nigeria became the first African nation to book their place at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after defeating Senegal on penalties in the quarter-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Soccernet.ng reports.
Following a tense 0-0 draw after 120 minutes, the Flying Eagles held their nerve to claim a 3-1 shootout victory over the defending champions, sealing their 14th appearance at the U20 World Cup and keeping alive their dream of a first title at this level.
The seven-time African champions have twice finished as runners-up — in 1989 and 2005 — and will now aim to finally lift the trophy in Chile later this year.
Nigeria were later joined by Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa as Africa’s four representatives at the tournament.
Morocco edged Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time, while South Africa also needed extra time to beat DR Congo by the same scoreline. Hosts Egypt secured their spot after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over Ghana, following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time.
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Nigeria lead Africa's charge as 24-nation line-up confirmed for 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup
The African quartet completed the 24-team line-up for the World Cup, which takes place in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
The host nation qualifies automatically, while the remaining 23 teams secured their places through regional tournaments across six confederations.
While Africa will be represented by Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, the continent of Asia will be banking on any of Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea to bring the trophy home.
United States of America, Mexico, Panama, and Cuba have qualified from the North, Central America & Caribbean region.
South America giants Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Chile (hosts) have booked their tickets while New Zealand and New Caledonia will be flying in from Oceania.
France, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Ukraine are the European qualifiers.
New Caledonia will make their debut at the tournament, while Morocco return for the first time since 2005. Several other nations, including Chile, Cuba, Egypt, Paraguay, Spain, and Australia, return after missing out in the past decade.
However, there are some notable absentees.
Defending champions Uruguay failed to qualify, which will be their first absence since 2005. Honduras and Ecuador also miss out despite strong recent records, while Israel — who finished third in 2023 — will not feature.
England, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Fiji, Guatemala, Slovakia, Tunisia, and Uzbekistan all failed to return after competing in the last edition.
Among the qualified teams, only five have lifted the trophy: Argentina (six times), Brazil (five), France, Spain, and Ukraine (once each).
Meanwhile, Nigeria, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Italy have all reached the final but never won it.
Norway and Cuba will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
Full List of 2025 U20 World Cup Participants:
- 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): USA, Mexico, Panama, Cuba
- South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Chile (hosts)
- Oceania (OFC): New Zealand, New Caledonia
