Costa Rica and USA Qualify for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027

Costa Rica and the United States have become the first two Concacaf teams to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Both nations secured their berths with victories in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship, played in Puebla, Mexico.

Costa Rica overcame Haiti in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 5-3 after the match had ended 1-1 following extra time. The United States, meanwhile, defeated Guatemala 3-1 in the evening match. The remaining two Concacaf spots will be decided on Wednesday, when Canada face Jamaica and Mexico take on Panama.

Costa Rica's Dramatic Shootout Victory

Costa Rica's path to qualification was anything but straightforward. Haiti took an early lead through Clavens Exantus, but Yerlan Sosa equalised from the penalty spot for Los Ticos. With the score level after 120 minutes, the match went to penalties, where Costa Rica converted all five attempts to secure a 5-3 shootout win.

The victory marks Costa Rica's tenth U-20 World Cup appearance and their first since 2017. The team's resilience under pressure was a key factor in their success.

USA Overcome Stubborn Guatemala

The United States faced a tough challenge from Guatemala, who took a surprise lead when Oscar de Leon reacted quickest to a shot that came back off the crossbar, heading into an open net. The Americans equalised just before half-time when Brandon Dayes slotted home from close range after a loose ball from a corner.

In the second half, the USA took control. Jaidyn Contreras set up Din Klapija for a powerful finish to give the Americans their first lead, and Joshua Torquato added a late third goal with a fine finish to seal the win.

This qualification is the USA's seventh consecutive U-20 World Cup appearance and their 19th overall, underscoring their consistency at this level.

What's at Stake

Beyond World Cup qualification, the winner of the Concacaf U-20 Championship will also earn a spot in the 2028 Men's Olympic Football Tournament at Los Angeles 2028, joining hosts USA. This adds extra significance to the remaining matches and the final.

The tournament continues on Wednesday with the other two quarter-finals, as Canada and Jamaica, and Mexico and Panama, battle for the remaining places in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan next year.