U.S. TV schedule for FIFA U-20 World Cup
This weekend the United States kicks off its participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.  Featuring rising stars like Gedion Zelalem of the U.S. and Andreas Pereira of Brazil, this tournament can be a stage for players’ Q ratings to … Continue reading →

This weekend the United States kicks off its participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.  Featuring rising stars like Gedion Zelalem of the U.S. and Andreas Pereira of Brazil, this tournament can be a stage for players’ Q ratings to skyrocket.

The United States begins the tournament in Group A, which lacks major international powers but does include the host nation New Zealand.  Below is an outline of when and where you can watch the Yanks if you’re based in the States:

Saturday, May 30 – United States v. Myanmar

12:00 AM ET, Fox Sports 1

Myanmar is the type of team that flies under the radar due to its confederation but could pose major issues for the U.S.  None of its players play professionally outside the country, but according to press stories the team can run and has excellent fitness, which could pose issues if it can outrun a U.S team gelling.

Tuesday, June 2 – New Zealand v. United States

3:00 AM ET, Fox Sports 1

U.S. college players Cory Brown and Stuart Holthusen may be the most recognizable names to U.S. fans, although captain Bill Tuiloma made first team appearances for Olympique Marseille.  Playing the host nation may pose more issues for the U.S.

Friday, June 5 – Ukraine v. United States

3:00 AM ET, Fox Soccer 1

An early round match that should prime the U.S. for later rounds.

For people not inclined to stay up late and watch the national team, there are some interesting group stage matches:

Saturday, May 31 – Nigeria v. Brazil

9:00 PM, Fox Soccer 2

Kelechi Iheanacho is considered one of Africa’s best soccer players and its biggest rising star. Brazil is not surprisingly loaded with talent,  including the aforementioned Pereira.  Some of the players on these squads could be facing off in a group stage at the senior World Cup.

Tuesday, June 2 – Argentina v. Ghana

3:00 AM ET, Fox Soccer 2

Just as the previous game, two powers from two different confederations square off loaded with breakout talent that could face each other again in 2018 or beyond.

Saturday, June 6 – Serbia v. Mexico

12:00 AM ET, Fox Soccer 1

Andrija Zivkovic is an in-demand talent with the major European powers drooling over him.  Mexico is the United States’ rival and counters with Pachuca’s Hirving Lozano, a 19 year old who is a regular in one of Liga MX’s best clubs.

If the United States finishes first in its group, it;s next match would be June 10 at 3:30 AM ET against the best finisher of the third place finishers in Group C, D, or E.  If the U.S. finished second, the Yanks play on June 10 against the runner-up from Group C, which could be Portugal, Senegal, or Colombia.