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A chance for some of the brightest young American soccer players to show their skills on the world stage begins today in the U-20 World Cup in Poland.
The United States U-20s, which enter the world-renowned tournament as the CONCACAF champions, will compete against 23 of the world’s best teams in the longest-running youth competition in FIFA.
This afternoon, they will open against Ukraine at Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała in a Group D match-up. Nigeria and Qatar are also in the group.
This competition is worth following for USMNT and Philadelphia Union fans alike since Union homegrown defenders Mark McKenzie and Matt Real are a part of the squad.
McKenzie, who is expected to start at centerback for the U.S., will wear the captain’s armband for the team in Poland. Real is projected to be available off the bench as it appears that Chris Gloster, who plays for Hannover 96 II in Germany, is going to be the starter at left back.
The U.S. has a full-health squad heading into their match against Ukraine. The only knock to the team was that Toronto FC forward Ayo Akinola will miss the U-20 World Cup due to an ankle injury. He has since been replaced on the roster by LA Galaxy right back Julian Araujo.
How to watch
Where: Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała, Poland
When: 2:30 p.m. ET, Friday, May 24, 2019
TV: Fox Sports 1, Universo
Streaming: Fox Sports Go