Under-20 World Cup kicks off in Argentina for future soccer stars

Argentina will play on the opening day of the Under-20 World Cup on Saturday just over a month since it replaced Indonesia as tournament host and participant.

Argentina will play on the opening day of the Under-20 World Cup on Saturday just over a month since it replaced Indonesia as tournament host and participant.

After such a dramatic race to the start line, 24 competing teams and soccer's international governing body can breathe a sigh of relief.

Four cities in Argentina will feature some of the sport's best young prospects while the South American nation is still celebrating Lionel Messi and his national team's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Protests in Muslim-majority Indonesia against hosting the Israel team forced FIFA into a very late switch of venues. Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

Defending champion and war-torn Ukraine will not take part, which makes continental champions England, Brazil and Senegal favorites to lift the title. Argentina, the record six-time champion, failed to qualify initially but FIFA decided it should take the guaranteed spot as tournament host.

Coached by Argentina great Javier Mascherano, the hosts are aiming to emulate the team of 2001 and clinch the title on home soil. Mascherano held the Argentine record for most international caps until it was broken by Messi, who won the 2005 under-20 World Cup at the start of illustrious career.

Clubs needed to authorize their contracted players so they could selected for the Under-20 World Cup, and many talented footballers called by their coaches will not take part in the tournament because they were not allowed.