Young Socceroos keen to add AFC Under-20 Asian Cup glory to World Cup qualification

The Young Socceroos are one win away from being crowned under-20 champions of Asia.

Qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup isn’t enough for a Young Socceroos side intent on capping off an already successful AFC Under-20 Asian Cup campaign by beating Saudi Arabia in Saturday night’s final in Shenzen.

By reaching the semi-finals of the China-hosted tournament, the Australians achieved their first target of securing a berth at this year’s Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

It will be the first time Australia will contest that age level’s World Cup since 2013.

However, as delighted as the Young Socceroos were to achieve that goal, their work in China wasn’t finished.

“Already we’ve done something really special getting to a World Cup, but the job’s not done,” said right-sided utility and former Perth Glory prodigy Daniel Bennie, who now plays his club football for English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers.

“We want to win the tournament, and the way we’re going, and the group (of players) we have, we’re totally capable of doing that.”

THE SUBWAY #YOUNGSOCCEROOS ARE GOING TO THE #AFCU20 ASIAN CUP FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2010! 💚💛👏

The Aussies face Saudi Arabia in the decider on Saturday night.

⚽️ Toure 49’
⚽️ Pearman 67’#AUSvJPNpic.twitter.com/Cb2oyYPwSY

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 26, 2025

If there were any fears that the Young Socceroos would ease off after qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup, they were erased with a commanding 2-0 semi-final win over Japan.

“It’s quite easy once you’ve qualified for a World Cup to relax a little bit and take the next two games a little lightly, but the boys knew that we couldn’t do that, and the staff knew that as well. We showed against Japan that we went out there to win and get to the final,” Bennie said.

“We knew no one was going to stop us if we played our football and worked hard.

“There has been no drop-off, everyone knows what we have to do, everyone knows we want to win the tournament really bad.”

Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan said “sticking to the process” and selecting players with a “desire” to add tournament success to Under-20 World Cup qualification ensured there would not be a let-down once his squad had reached the semi-finals.

“For every coach in that situation it’s a challenge with how you allow people to be happy as they’re achieving things and then keep setting the goal,” Morgan said.

“It’s also rewarding the whole group. Those that start and those that don’t start, we try to make clear point of their contribution so the group stays focused.

“You can see because of the changes we’ve made, there is no expectation that you play the next match, so you’ve really got to keep resetting yourself, refocusing and being ready to go.”

QUALIFIED!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

For the first time since 2013, the Subway #YoungSocceroos are going to the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Superb effort boys!#AFCU20pic.twitter.com/DmjbOWT2AS

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 22, 2025

Saudi Arabia, who advanced to the decider courtesy of a penalty shootout semi-final win over South Korea, crossed paths with the Young Socceroos during the tournament qualifiers.

“Saudi won’t change. They can’t change their culture, they’re not going to change their playing style,” Morgan said.

“What we’ve seen from them over the last six months is what they will be, so we know what to expect.”

Originally published as Young Socceroos keen to add AFC Under-20 Asian Cup glory to World Cup qualification