NewKerala.com

Georgia and Armenia to Co-Host 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup

FIFA has selected Georgia and Armenia as co-hosts for the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, marking the first time either South Caucasus country will host a FIFA tournament. The joint bid was approved during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on April 28. Football officials from both nations expressed pride and confidence in hosting the event, which aims to showcase young talent. The tournament, held every two years, will feature 24 teams and follows the 2025 edition won by Morocco.

Key Points: Georgia, Armenia to Host 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup

  • Georgia and Armenia co-host 2029 U-20 World Cup
  • First FIFA tournament for both nations
  • Bid approved at FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver
  • Tournament features 24 teams
  • Next edition in 2027 hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan
2 min read

Football: Georgia, Armenia to host 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup

FIFA names Georgia and Armenia as co-hosts of the 2029 U-20 World Cup, marking a historic first FIFA tournament for both South Caucasus nations.

"Hosting this tournament is of great importance for both federations - Armen Melikbekyan"

Yerevan/Tbilisi, April 29 World soccer governing body FIFA has named Georgia and Armenia as co-hosts of the 2029 U-20 World Cup, marking the first time the two South Caucasus countries will host a FIFA tournament. The joint bid was approved at a FIFA Council meeting on April 28 in Vancouver, Canada, on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress.

The tournament, held every two years since 1977, features 24 teams in its final round.

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) called it "an unprecedented achievement," saying it reflected the international football community's high confidence and would give young Armenian players and fans the chance to experience a World Cup atmosphere on home soil, reports Xinhua.

"Hosting this tournament is of great importance for both federations," said FFA president Armen Melikbekyan, adding that he was confident both Georgia and Armenia would host the World Cup with dignity and would do everything possible to make the tournament stand out in the history of FIFA's youth competitions.

President of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) Levan Kobiashvili said he was confident the tournament would leave a lasting mark on football development in the region.

"This is truly a remarkable event -- for the first time in the history of independent Georgian football, we will host a world-class tournament under FIFA's auspices," added Kobiashvili.

The competition has been staged every two years since the inaugural tournament in 1977, when it was hosted by Tunisia under its old name of FIFA World Youth Championship, which stayed till 2005, when it was changed to the present name in 2007. FIFA bills the men's Under-20 World Cup as "the tournament of tomorrow's superstars."

Thus far, 23 editions of the tournament have been held, and 12 nations have won the title so far. Argentina U20 is the most successful team with six titles, followed by Brazil U20 with five titles.

Morocco won the title in the last edition of the competition held in Chile in 2025. The next edition will be jointly hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in 2027.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Interesting that Azerbaijan (2027) and now Georgia-Armenia are hosting back-to-back editions. Football is slowly spreading roots in the Caucasus and Central Asia. India missed a big chance by not bidding for 2027 - we have the stadiums from 2017 U-17 World Cup. AIFF need to pull up their socks! 😐
J
James A
As a football fan living in India, I'm happy for the people of Georgia and Armenia. But I'm a bit skeptical - can two nations with political tensions co-host smoothly? Hope they put sports above politics and make it a success. Maybe India can learn from their cooperation!
R
Rohit P
FIFA is finally giving opportunities to non-traditional football nations. This will do wonders for youth development in the Caucasus region. Meanwhile, India's U-20 team hasn't even qualified for a World Cup yet. Our grassroots system needs a complete overhaul - not just hosting tournaments but actually competing! 💪
A
Ananya R
Football truly unites! Georgia and Armenia sharing a FIFA event is beautiful. I remember watching the 2017 U-17 World Cup in India - the atmosphere was electric! Hope these countries also benefit like we did. Just wish our own U-20 team could be there playing, not just watching from home. 🇮🇳⚽

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50