(Photo Credit: Guillermo Legaria – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
New Zealand have qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, securing their place in the knockout phase as one of the best 3rd placed teams in the group stage.
Darren Bazeley’s side finished third in Group A, following a victory over Guatemala, a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan and defeat to host nation Argentina. Results elsewhere however, ensured that they finished with one of the stronger records of the third-placed sides.
A Round of 16 date now beckons on Wednesday May 31 against USA at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza (5:30am NZT). The Americans finished top of Group A with three wins from three, including a victory over other Oceania qualifier, Fiji.
New Zealand’s advancement past the group stage represents the fourth time the nation has progressed this far at a FIFA U-20 World Cup. Victory over USA on Wednesday would see them reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever.