April 18 – Argentina have been confirmed as hosts of the under-20 World Cup following the decision to strip Indonesia of the right to stage the tournament.
FIFA announced the decision to remove Indonesia as hosts last month following protests in the country against the participation of Israel. The draw for the 24-team finals that was due to take place on March 31 was postponed at the last minute after local politicians protested Israeli’s inclusion in support of the Palestinian cause.
Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country, was awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified, but the two countries have no formal diplomatic relations.
Careful not to openly take sides in the dispute, FIFA never specified its reason for moving the tournament, merely saying Indonesia lost the tournament “due to the current circumstances” though everyone knows what that meant.
Shortly after Indonesia were stripped, prompting anger and sadness on social media among players and fans alike, the Argentine FA formally submitted its bid to host the May 20-June 11 tournament.
Although the South Americans failed to qualify, they will now take Indonesia’s spot as host rather than FIFA opting to keep the tournament in Asia.
“I would like to thank the AFA, its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“Having this year’s edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.”
FIFA added that the official draw for the tournament will now take place this Friday in Zurich.
Argentina hosted the under-20 World Cup in 2001 when they won the fourth of their record six titles. They are also seeking to jointly host the World Cup finals in 2030 with Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay.
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