Africa’s four representatives for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile have been confirmed, with Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa securing qualification by reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
The global tournament is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.
All four teams booked their World Cup spots following dramatic and hard-fought quarter-final clashes filled with tension and high stakes.
Morocco were the first to seal qualification, edging past Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time. A heartbreaking own goal in the 115th minute ended Sierra Leone’s impressive debut run.
Hosts Egypt joined them in spectacular fashion, staging a dramatic comeback against Ghana.
After trailing 2-0, the Young Pharaohs forced penalties with a last-minute equalizer and triumphed 5-4 in the shootout to return to the world stage.
Nigeria, the most decorated U-20 team in Africa, held their nerve against defending champions Senegal.
The Flying Eagles emerged victorious in a tense penalty shootout, securing their 14th FIFA U-20 World Cup appearance—a continental record.
South Africa completed the final four with a 1-0 extra-time win over DR Congo. Thabang Mahlangu’s late strike was enough to send the Amajita through to their fifth U-20 World Cup.
The CAF U-20 AFCON semi-finals will resume on Thursday, with South Africa set to face Nigeria, while Egypt will take on Morocco. The final is scheduled for May 18.