Young Socceroos one win away from qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup

The Young Socceroos have a golden opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup for the first time in 12 years.

It’s not just a place in the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup semi-finals that the Young Socceroos will be playing for on Saturday night, with a win over Iraq to also secure them a FIFA Under-20 World Cup berth for the first time since 2013.

The Australians take great form into their quarter-final in Shenzen, having topped their group with nine points from three matches.

“I’ll back us against anybody,” Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan said.

“We’re definitely confident going into the match that we have the quality to win.”

“Iraq, they’ve (also) progressed to the quarter-final, which means they’ve earned the right to be there.

“We’re going to focus on them and make sure we’re on top of our game plan.

“With this group in particular, our focus has been on a combined style of play, a structure where everyone knows what’s expected, but especially a lot of confidence to go and take moments as you see them and express yourself.”

Building-up to our crucial Quarter Final against Iraq 📈

🇦🇺 v 🇮🇶 - 22.2.25, 10:30pm AEDT
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— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 21, 2025

Victory will not only earn the Young Socceroos a semi-final spot, but also a place as one of four Asian Football Confederation representatives at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile starting in September.

Defender Sebastian Esposito said playing at a World Cup was the “biggest honour in football”.

“Who doesn’t want to go to a World Cup? But we’re just focused on the next game.,” Italy-based Esposito said.

“We’ve still got to get there, so we just take it game by game, and we’re not only looking to get to the World Cup – we want to win this tournament.

“It’s obviously a big game and a big opportunity for us, and we’re just ready to go.”

Originally published as Young Socceroos one win away from qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup