Egypt revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Chile the host nation on Friday night, while Ukraine, Paraguay, and Japan sealed their spots in the Round of 16.
At the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Egypt overturned a first-half deficit to edge Chile.
However, Chile advanced to the next round on team conduct points despite the loss.
Vicente Alvarez put the hosts ahead in the 27th minute, but Ahmed Abdin’s powerful header leveled for Egypt shortly after the break.
Omar Khedr then struck a sensational stoppage-time free-kick to secure the win for the Young Pharaohs.
Despite the defeat, Chile advanced after finishing level on points but with a superior fair-play record (-5) to Egypt’s (-7). Egypt, meanwhile, remain in contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the group’s other match, Japan dominated New Zealand 3-0 in Valparaíso to top Group A.
Kosei Ogura’s thunderous strike set the tone before an own goal from Jayden Smith and a late finish by Hisatsugu Ishii sealed the victory.
The win ensured Japan became the first Asian side since Iraq in 1989 to win all three group matches at this level.
Elsewhere in Group B, Ukraine defeated Paraguay 2-1 to finish top, with Maksym Derkach and Matvii Ponomarenko finding the net in a lively second half.
Paraguay, despite the defeat, finished second and also booked their place in the Round of 16.
Korea Republic also kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Panama, thanks to goals from Kim Hyunmin and Shin Minha.
The result confirmed Panama’s elimination, while Korea await results elsewhere to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
With the group stages concluding, Egypt and Korea Republic will anxiously await confirmation of their fate, as the knockout stage lineup for Chile 2025 takes final shape.
Results
Group A: Egypt 2-1 Chile
Japan 3-0 New Zealand
Group B
Ukraine 2-1 Paraguay
Korea 2-1 Panama