What Is 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup squads

Overview

The 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the 22nd edition of the biennial international youth football tournament organized by FIFA for men's national teams with players aged 20 or younger. Hosted by Poland, the competition featured 24 national squads, each required to submit a final roster of up to 21 players, including at least three goalkeepers.

The tournament served as a global stage for emerging football talent, with future stars such as Erling Haaland (Norway) and Jadon Sancho (England) participating. All squads were announced by national federations by May 20, 2019, ahead of the opening match on May 23.

• 24 teams qualified and named official squads, each adhering to FIFA’s age eligibility rules requiring players to be born on or after January 1, 1999.
• Each squad had to include exactly 21 players, with three designated goalkeepers as mandated by FIFA regulations for the tournament.
• The average age of players across all squads was approximately 19.2 years, reflecting the youth-focused nature of the competition.
• Several squads featured players already active in top European leagues, including Jadon Sancho (England) and Erling Haaland (Norway).
• Changes due to injury were permitted before the team’s first match, allowing one replacement per squad under medical certification.

How It Works

Each participating nation followed a standardized process to assemble and register their squad, complying with FIFA’s strict regulations on age, eligibility, and roster size.

• Age Limit: Players must have been born on or after January 1, 1999, ensuring all participants were under 20 at the start of the tournament. This rule is strictly enforced by FIFA to maintain competitive fairness.
• Squad Size: Each team submitted a final list of 21 players, with no exceptions allowed after the deadline set by FIFA, which was May 20, 2019.
• Goalkeeper Requirement: Every squad was required to include at least three goalkeepers to ensure teams could field a backup in case of injury or suspension.
• Injury Replacement: Teams could replace an injured player before their first match if supported by medical documentation and approved by FIFA’s medical committee.
• Deadline: National associations had to submit their final squad lists to FIFA by May 20, 2019, five days before the opening match in Lublin.
• Eligibility Checks: FIFA conducted document reviews and age verifications to prevent ineligible players from participating, a safeguard used in previous youth tournaments.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of selected national squads based on key roster statistics from the 2019 tournament.

The data shows that nations like South Korea and Argentina relied heavily on domestically-based talent, while others, such as the United States, included more players from European clubs. Ukraine’s balanced mix of experience and youth contributed to their historic championship win, defeating South Korea 3–1 in the final held in Łódź on June 15, 2019.

Why It Matters

The 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup squads were significant not only for the competition itself but also as a talent pipeline for senior national teams and professional clubs.

• Scouting Platform: Top European clubs closely monitored the tournament, with Erling Haaland scoring nine goals to attract interest from Borussia Dortmund and beyond.
• National Development: Countries like Ukraine demonstrated strong youth systems, culminating in their first major FIFA title at any level.
• Player Exposure: Emerging talents such as Lee Kang-in of South Korea gained global recognition, later signing with Paris Saint-Germain.
• Tactical Trends: Coaches used the U-20 stage to experiment with formations and young leadership, influencing future senior team strategies.
• Global Reach: The tournament was broadcast in over 170 countries, increasing visibility for players from underrepresented footballing nations.
• Pathway to Pro: Over 40 players from the 2019 squads were signed by top-tier European clubs within two years of the tournament.

The 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup squads thus served as a crucial bridge between youth football and professional careers, highlighting the importance of structured development programs and international competition in shaping future football stars.