Argentina has been officially chosen as the host for this year's FIFA Under-20 World Cup in a decision that could have ramifications for Manchester United.
The tournament gets underway in May and is not being played in the international window, meaning it clashes with club fixtures. The South American country was only confirmed as host this week after Indonesia were stripped of running the tournament. That decision was made in March owing to planned protests over Israel's participation.
Argentina didn't initially qualify but will now take Indonesia's place and could call up Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho. The winger switched his allegiance from Spain last year and has been called into the senior squad but is yet to win a cap.
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But he has played several times for the Under-20s, scoring four goals in four matches at the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament winning the Revelation Player and Goal of the Tournament. And while he is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, he is making strides with his comeback.
It could lead to him being called up by Argentina for a tournament which starts on May 20. Players would likely join up with their international sides a week or so in advance and Garnacho may well miss United's run-in, which could include the FA Cup final in early June.
It remains to be seen if the 18-year-old will be fit enough to participate but his loss would be a blow to United given the impact he has made this season. Garnacho has made 31 appearances, scoring five times.
Argentina have been drawn alongside New Zealand, Uzbekistan and Guatemala for the tournament. There are six groups of four teams with 16 reaching the knockout stage. England, winners in 2017, are also competing and will face Iraq, Tunisia and Uruguay in their group.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said of the decision to award the tournament to Argentina: “I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its president Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice.
“The U20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA’s efforts to promote youth football across the world. Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others. Having this year’s edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.”
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