World soccer governing body FIFA has selected Georgia and Armenia to jointly host the 2029 U-20 World Cup, marking a historic first for these South Caucasus nations in hosting a FIFA tournament. The decision was made at a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress. The tournament, which has been held every two years since 1977, will feature 24 teams in its final round.
The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) hailed the selection as an “unprecedented achievement,” emphasizing the significance for both countries and expressing confidence in delivering a memorable event. FFA President Armen Melikbekyan highlighted the opportunity for young Armenian players and fans to witness a World Cup atmosphere on home soil, reflecting the international football community’s trust.
President of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) Levan Kobiashvili expressed optimism that hosting the tournament would leave a lasting impact on football development in the region. Kobiashvili described the event as a significant milestone for independent Georgian football, anticipating a world-class tournament under FIFA’s auspices. Both nations are committed to ensuring a successful and memorable tournament that will be a standout in FIFA’s youth competitions history.
The U-20 World Cup, known as the tournament of tomorrow’s superstars, has seen 23 editions to date, with 12 nations claiming the title. Argentina U20 leads with six titles, followed by Brazil U20 with five. The most recent champion, Morocco, emerged victorious in the 2025 edition held in Chile. The upcoming 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
