We at Eye On Colombia gave you a brief introduction to the upcoming U20s FIFA World Cup that will take place in Colombia from July 29^th to August 20^th. Now, since the event isn’t so far away, we’re going to take a look at the tournament again to help you if you’re planning to come.

The country is already starting to look forward to the event that will undoubtedly capture the attention of local audiences, as well as audiences around the world. The U20 FIFA World Cup brings the best youth in the world together to compete in a tournament-style competition and for many of the players it will be their first taste of big-time international competition. For others, such as England’s Jack Wilshere, it will be a chance to shine and convince the full-team managers to consider them for inclusion in the national squad.

The following teams will participate:

Colombia, France, South Korea, Mali, Portugal, Uruguay, Cameroon, New Zealand, Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Guatemala, Brazil, Egypt, Austria, Panama, Argentina, Mexico, England, North Korea

Spain or Brazil are likely to be considered favourites in the tournament, although Colombia’s home advantage previously afforded them success in the 2001 Copa America, and therefore they shouldn’t be underestimated. Other countries to look out for include Argentina, France, Uruguay, Mexico and England, although at this level any team is capable of a surprise.

The matches will take place in the following stadiums:

Armenia, Estadio Centenario (Cap. 26,000)

Barranquilla, Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez (Cap. 50,612)

Bogotá, Estadio Nemesio Camacho (Cap. 48,312)

Cali, Estadio Pascual Guerrero (Cap. 36,600)

Cartagena, Estadio Jaime Morón León (Cap. 28,530)

Manizales, Estadio Palogrande (Cap. 36,553)

Medellín, Estadio Atanasio Girardot (Cap. 46,355)

Pereira, Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas (Cap. 38,500)

 

For an in-depth guide to what games will take place in which cities, please consult the official FIFA document here.

Football (or soccer) is the most popular sport in Colombia and, since the U20 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest international football event the country has seen, the anticipation levels here are high. The country itself has invested a huge amount of money into the successful running of the tournament and will hope to see that investment pay off with international recognition of Colombia’s aptness for future international sporting tournaments. To be sure, Colombia are hoping to lodge a bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.