The United States U20 team finished top of their World Cup group despite a 2-1 loss to South Africa, thanks to a dominant +10 goal difference from their 9-1 opening win over New Caledonia. Marko Mitrović’s side now prepares for a Round of 16 clash against Italy as they aim to break their quarterfinal curse.
The United States U20 men’s national team advanced to the knockout stage of the U20 World Cup as Group A winners, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in their final group match on Sunday. A blistering start to the tournament, highlighted by a 9-1 demolition of New Caledonia, proved decisive in ensuring the U.S. held onto first place on goal difference.
U.S. undone after early lead
It all started brightly for Marko Mitrović’s side when Noah Cobb struck early in the 12th minute to give the U.S. the lead. But the advantage was short-lived. South Africa equalized just five minutes later through Siviwe Magidigidi, before Gomolemo Kekana scored what turned out to be the match-winner deep into first-half stoppage time.
Despite a wave of substitutions in the second half, the U.S. failed to find an equalizer. Mitrović’s team pressed high, dominated possession, and forced several saves, but lacked the cutting edge that had defined their earlier performances. South Africa’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat ultimately saw them hold on for a deserved win.
Goal difference seals group supremacy
The U.S., South Africa, and France all finished level on six points, but the Americans’ massive goal differential (+10) from their opening rout over New Caledonia made the difference. South Africa finished second with +5, and France third with +4.
That attacking outburst in the first match, combined with a composed 2-0 win over France in their second outing, ensured the U.S. stayed ahead in the standings — even with Sunday’s slip-up.
Another knockout appearance — but a challenge ahead
This marks the sixth consecutive U20 World Cup in which the United States has reached the knockout stages, a sign of impressive consistency in youth development. However, the Americans have been eliminated in the quarterfinals in each of their past five appearances.
That history provides added motivation as they prepare for a stern test against Italy in the Round of 16. The European side’s tactical quality and physicality will pose a significant challenge, but Mitrović’s group has shown enough attacking promise to believe they can finally take that next step.
With the knockout stages set to begin on Thursday, the young Americans will be eager to reset, recover, and reignite the spark that made them the highest-scoring team in the group stage.
