France U20 vs South Africa U20 Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | FIFA U-20 World Cup

France U20 vs South Africa U20 Preview

• Tournament: FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025
• Date: Monday, 29th September 2025
• Kick-off time: 21:00 BST / 22:00 CET / 16:00 ET
• Venue: Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, Chile

2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup champions France take on the 2025 U-20 AFCON champions South Africa to kick off Group E at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Chile. France U20 enters the tournament in supreme form. They emerged victorious at the Maurice Revello Tournament after getting the better of Saudi Arabia in the finals. The squad is brimming with talent and looking to make an impact and build on their reputation. Coach Bernard Diomede named a 20-man squad and is looking to get more success with the team after they crashed out in the group stage last season.

In the opposite corner is the South Africa U20 team, who are fresh off the success of AFCON this year. After starting the tournament with a defeat, the Amajita topped their group and won all the knockout games 1-0 to lift the trophy and qualify for the tournament. They will fancy going deeper into the World Cup than their previous high of the Round of 16. France U20 head into the tournament in excellent form. Ahead of their meeting, SportsDunia brings you the France U20 vs South Africa U20 Prediction, France U20 vs South Africa U20 predicted lineups, and where to watch France U20 vs South Africa U20.

France U20 Team News

The coach named a 21-man squad, but one of his star players, PSG striker Quentin Ndjantou, will not be joining them despite being on the list as his parent club blocked his move. Aladji Bamba misses out with an injury as the coach needs to pick his 11 from 20 members.

South Africa U20 Team News

Mdaka Raymond's side retained the core of the AFCON-winning squad. He will be hoping for better synergy from the players who have experience of playing together and beating a superior opponent in France. There are no injury issues, and they can go all out from the start with a positive approach.

France U20 vs South Africa U20 Predicted Lineups

Here are our France U20 vs South Africa U20 predicted lineups.

France U20 predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Lisandru; Justin, Elyaz, Ilane, Steven; Rabby, Anthony, Fode; Lucas, Tadjidine, Gabin

South Africa U20 predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Smythe-Lowe; Sfiso, Smith, Patrick, Asekho; Gomolemo, Mfuno, Lazola; Shakeel, Jody, Siyabonga

France U20 vs South Africa U20 H2H Record

There was only one official meeting between these two sides in the past. The game was filled with icons for both sides. In 1997, France beat South Africa with a scoreline of 4-2 at the U20 World Cup. Thierry Henry, an icon of the game, scored a goal, and David Trezeguet scored a brace. They went on to become legends. Junaid Hartley got two consolations for South Africa.

Key players to watch in France U20 vs South Africa U20

Elyaz Zidane (France U20)

All eyes will be on the 6'5 centre-back who lines up for the France U-20. There will be pressure on his young shoulders, too, being the son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane. Elyaz began his career at Real Madrid and moved to Real Betis. He became a leader of defence with excellent tackling and reading of the game. He even has incredible goal threat from set pieces and can hurt the opposition.

Tylon Smith (South Africa U20)

The Player of the tournament from the 2025 U-20 AFCON, Smith, will enter the tournament in high spirits. After a breakthrough at Stellenbosch FC in his native South Africa, Smith moved to England with QPR in the Championship. He is a commanding centre-back who makes playing out of the back easier and leads a high line for his side. Smith's goal threat makes him a dangerous weapon for his side.

France U20 vs South Africa U20 Prediction

This will be an entertaining clash between two sides in form. With the pitch full of talented stars, there will be goals and drama. However, France's superior quality will help them edge past South Africa.

Predicted Score: France U20 2-1 South Africa U20

Where to watch France U20 vs South Africa U20

FIFA+ will stream the game for free around the world in over 250 territories.