ZURICH: FIFA has confirmed Argentina as new host of this year’s U-20 World Cup.

The decision by the world federation bureau – the president and heads of the six regional confederations – follows the removal of Indonesia over a refusal to host Israel.

The Argentinian FA was quick off the mark to submit a substitution bid and last week a FIFA delegation visited the proposed tournament and associated infrastructure.

A hosting agreement has been signed by the AFA, along with all other relevant documents on the part of the host and local authorities.

It is no secret that Argentina is hoping to impress FIFA ahead of a decision later next year on host of the centenary 2030 World Cup. Argentina is involved in a joint bid with Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay and face an uphill battle trying to beat a cohosting, twin-confederation proposal from Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The U-20 World Cup takes place from May 20 to June 11 and will feature six groups of four teams. Having been awarded the hosting rights to the tournament, Argentina will compete in the event in place of Indonesia.

Argentina are the most successful nation in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having won the tournament six times, most recently in 2007. The country also hosted the competition in 2001.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA is delighted to announce that this year’s edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to the tomorrow’s superstars of world football.

“I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice.

“The U-20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA’s efforts to promote youth football across the world. Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others.

“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.”

The draw will take place on Friday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich.

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