| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
|---|
Flamengo U20
Penarol U20
Olympiakos U19
Benfica U20
Wikipedia - Under-20 Intercontinental Cup
The Under-20 Intercontinental Cup (Spanish: Sub-20 Intercontinental, Portuguese: Intercontinental de Sub-20) is a football match organised by CONMEBOL and UEFA. The match is contested by the winners of the South American and European youth club competitions, the U-20 Copa Libertadores and UEFA Youth League, respectively. Organised as an annual one-off match, it is a youth competition equivalent to the former Intercontinental Cup, which featured the senior club champions of Europe and South America. The competition was launched in 2022 as part of a renewed partnership between CONMEBOL and UEFA. Portuguese side Benfica won the first edition in 2022.
History
On 12 February 2020, UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a renewed memorandum of understanding meant to enhance cooperation between the two organisations. As part of the agreement, a joint UEFA–CONMEBOL committee examined the possibility of staging European–South American intercontinental matches, for both men's and women's football and across various age groups. On 15 December 2021, UEFA and CONMEBOL again signed a renewed memorandum of understanding lasting until 2028, which included specific provisions on opening a joint office in London and the potential organisation of various football events.
The official opening of the Joint UEFA and CONMEBOL Representation Office was held on 4 April 2022, where representatives of both confederations and Uruguayan club Peñarol met to agree on the creation of the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup. This was confirmed by Peñarol on 25 April 2022 after another meeting between representatives of UEFA, CONMEBOL and the Peñarol club in Nyon, Switzerland prior to the 2021–22 UEFA Youth League final.
On 2 June 2022, the day after staging the 2022 Finalissima, CONMEBOL and UEFA officially announced a series of new events between teams from the two confederations. This included the first Under-20 Intercontinental Cup, a match between the winners of South America's U-20 Copa Libertadores, an under-20 competition, and the winners of Europe's UEFA Youth League, an under-19 competition. The first winners of the competition were Portuguese club Benfica, winners of the 2021–22 UEFA Youth League, who defeated South American side Peñarol, winners of the 2022 U-20 Copa Libertadores, after a 1–0 victory at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The U20 Intercontinental Cup is an exhilarating international soccer tournament that brings together the brightest young talents from around the globe. Designed for players aged 20 and under, this prestigious event serves as a platform for emerging stars to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and gain invaluable experience on the world stage.
**Event Highlights:**
- **Global Participation:** The tournament features national teams from various continents, including Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and North America, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition among diverse cultures and playing styles.
- **Elite Competition:** Teams are composed of the best young players from their respective countries, many of whom are on the brink of professional careers. The U20 Intercontinental Cup is a unique opportunity for scouts and coaches to identify future stars of the sport.
- **Exciting Matches:** Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with skillful play, strategic tactics, and intense rivalries. The tournament format includes group stages followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a grand final that promises to be a showcase of talent and determination.
- **Development Focus:** Beyond the competition, the U20 Intercontinental Cup emphasizes player development, offering workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for young athletes to learn from experienced professionals in the sport.
- **Cultural Exchange:** The tournament not only highlights athletic prowess but also promotes cultural exchange, as teams and fans come together to celebrate the beautiful game. Events and activities surrounding the matches provide a festive atmosphere, allowing participants to share their traditions and experiences.
Join us for the U20 Intercontinental Cup, where the future of soccer takes center stage, and witness the rise of the next generation of soccer legends!