Following a dominant opening performance where they netted nine goals against New Caledonia, Benjamin Cremaschi and the United States U-20 squad are gearing up for a far more challenging encounter with France on Thursday in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. A victory in this match would guarantee their progression to the round of 16. Despite a recent setback with Barcelona recalling goalkeeper Diego Kochen due to an injury crisis, the USMNT roster remains robust and filled with significant talent.
Cremaschi was a standout in the initial game, securing a hat-trick and providing two assists, cementing his status as a pivotal player for the team. With three previous call-ups to the senior national team camps, he is undoubtedly looking to further prove his capabilities. The U.S. program`s best historical achievement at this tournament (previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship) was a fourth-place finish in 1989. More recently, the 2023 squad in Argentina achieved a commendable fifth-place, featuring players like Diego Luna and Jack McGlynn. This highlights the tournament`s crucial role in developing young athletes for both the Olympics and eventual integration into the senior national team.
Match Details: USA U-20 vs. France U-20
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 2nd, 4 p.m. ET
- Venue: Estadio El Teniente, O`Higgins, Chile
- Broadcast & Streaming: FS2, Fubo
USA U-20 World Cup Squad Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): Adam Beaudry (Colorado Rapids; 7 caps/0 goals), Duran Ferree (San Diego FC; 1 cap/0 goals)
DEFENDERS (7): Reed Baker-Whiting (Seattle Sounders; 7 caps/0 goals), Luca Bombino (San Diego FC; 9 caps/0 goals), Noah Cobb (Colorado Rapids; 13 caps/0 goals), Ethan Kohler (SC Verl/GER; 12 caps/1 goal), Nolan Norris (FC Dallas; 16 caps/0 goals), Francis Westfield (Philadelphia Union; 7 caps/0 goals), Joshua Wynder (Benfica/POR; 11 caps/1 goal)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Matthew Corcoran (Nashville SC; 5 caps/1 goal), Benjamin Cremaschi (Parma/ITA; 9 caps/2 goals), Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew; 14 caps/2 goals), Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo; 15 caps/1 goal), Pedro Soma (San Diego FC; 15 caps/2 goals), Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes; 23 caps/8 goals)
FORWARDS (5): Luke Brennan (Atlanta United; 10 caps/2 goals), Cole Campbell (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 3 caps/0 goals), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake City; 11 caps/2 goals), Peyton Miller (New England Revolution; 6 caps/1 goal), Marcos Zambrano (Real Salt Lake; 13 caps/6 goals)
