FIFA U20 World Cup 2023: Round of 16 fixture announced

France, Japan, and Senegal made an early exit from the competition

The FIFA U20 World Cup 2023 edition has reached the knockout stage. The 23rd edition started with 24 teams, and now 16 teams are left to lift this trophy. These teams were divided into six groups. The top two teams qualified for the round of 16. Along with them, four of the six teams that finished third in their groups also qualified.

Argentina U20 and Uzbekistan U20 made it through from Group A. Argentina had a 100% streak, while Uzbekistan finished four points ahead of New Zealand. New Zealand had a poor goal difference, but they also made it through to the knockout stages. Guatemala U20 ended their group stage with three defeats and were unable to score a goal.

The USA U20 topped Group B with nine points and kept three clean sheets. Ecuador also made it through with six points. Slovakia finished third with three points and also qualified. Fiji U20 had the worst defensive record in the competition. They conceded 16 goals, scored none, and finished fourth in the standings.

Colombia U20 were the winner of Group C with seven points. They were joined by Israel in the knockout stage. Japan U20 and Senegal U20 finished with three and two points, respectively. These two teams made an early exit from the tournament. 

Brazil topped Group C with six points. They were level on points with Italy and Nigeria, who were second and third, respectively. These three teams made it through. The Dominican Republic U20 were eliminated after failing to collect any points.

Group E saw England, Uruguay, and Tunisia make it through to the round of 16. England U20 collected seven points and had a point lead over Uruguay U20. Tunisia U20 collected three points, and their total was two more than Iraq's total.

Gambia U20 won Group F with seven points. They were ahead of South Korea and France in the standings. The French team suffered elimination along with Honduras U20.

Top Performers in the FIFA U20 World Cup group stage

Cesare Casadei: The Italy and Chelsea midfielder is the highest goal scorer in the competition. He scored four goals in the first three games.

Savio: Savio has scored a goal and also has three assists to his name. He has the joint-highest goal contribution in the competition.

Gabriel Slonina: Another Chelsea youngster who has impressed is the USA's goalkeeper. Slonina has kept three clean sheets and made six saves. 

FIFA U20 World Cup RO16 Fixtures

Match 1: USA U20 vs New Zealand U20

Match 2: Uzbekistan U20 vs Israel U20

Match 3: Colombia U20 vs Slovakia U20

Match 4: Brazil U20 vs Tunisia U20

Match 5: Argentina U20 vs Nigeria U20

Match 6: England U20 vs Italy U20

Match 7: Gambia U20 vs Uruguay U20

Match 8: Ecuador U20 vs South Korea U20

Only eight teams will make it through to the next stage. The matches start tomorrow and there will be no second chance for any team.