FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winning the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 put Trevor Morgan’s side in good stead as the Young Socceroos booked a return to the global showpiece for the first time in 12 years.
Factfile
Previous Appearances: 5
Best Finish: Semi-finals (1991, 1993)
2023 Record: Did not qualify
How They Got There: Champions of AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025
Head Coach: Trevor Morgan (AUS)
Fun Fact: Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler is following the footsteps of his father Paul Okon who helped Australia to a fourth place finish in the 1991 edition.
Group D Fixtures: v Italy (September 28); v Argentina (October 1); v Cuba (October 4)
Previous Appearances: 5
Best Finish: Semi-finals (1991, 1993)
2023 Record: Did not qualify
How They Got There: Champions of AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025
Head Coach: Trevor Morgan (AUS)
Fun Fact: Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler is following the footsteps of his father Paul Okon who helped Australia to a fourth place finish in the 1991 edition.
Group D Fixtures: v Italy (September 28); v Argentina (October 1); v Cuba (October 4)
Their historic AFC U20 Asian Cup triumph in March has fuelled optimism that Australia have what it takes to go further than they have ever done at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with head coach Morgan banking on the core group that took them to glory in Shenzhen.
The former Australian international has retained 17 players from the squad that defeated Saudi Arabia on penalties in the final with Alexander Badolato - who picked up the Most Valuable Player award - spearheading their challenge.
The former Australian international has retained 17 players from the squad that defeated Saudi Arabia on penalties in the final with Alexander Badolato - who picked up the Most Valuable Player award - spearheading their challenge.
Expectations have been raised since claiming their first age-group Asian title with Morgan keen to harness the feel-good factor within the squad in what will be a challenging set of fixtures in Group D with battles against Italy, Argentina and Cuba in store.
“From our first match in June 2023 until now, this group of players have shown themselves to be very competitive with quality, character and a great desire to represent Australia with pride,” said Morgan via Football Australia.
“From our first match in June 2023 until now, this group of players have shown themselves to be very competitive with quality, character and a great desire to represent Australia with pride,” said Morgan via Football Australia.
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“We have built a great deal of self-confidence through the experiences gained in multiple tournaments along the way, developing great belief and team culture within this squad.
“Winning the Asian Cup has raised the team’s expectations of the performances they can deliver and given them the chance to test themselves at the highest level in a World Cup.“
“Winning the Asian Cup has raised the team’s expectations of the performances they can deliver and given them the chance to test themselves at the highest level in a World Cup.“
Australia will kick off against 2023 runners-up Italy on September 28, followed by a meeting with six-time champions Argentina three days later before wrapping up their group stage campaign against Cuba on October 4.
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