U.S.-based Players Set for U20 World Cup

by Travis Clark

May 19, 2023

The Under-20 Men’s World Cup kicks off this weekend, with the focus on some of the top talent in the country heading to Argentina.

Twenty-four teams have made the trip, duking it out for the 16 spots in the knockout rounds. The U.S. is obviously taking part, with a competitive roster that should cause problems in Group B.

Several players that play in the United States are set to play for other countries as well, spanning the professional, youth and college levels.

Take a look at some of the players based in the USA playing at the U20 World Cup

Guatemala is one of the Concacaf teams making the trip to South America. Players involved from U.S. teams include New York Red Bulls youth standout Arian Recinos, born in 2005. Sticking in New Jersey, Rutgers freshman Nestor Cabrera earned a call. Cabrera made 17 appearances for the Big Ten side last fall. California midfielder Allan Juarez made one appearance as a freshman in 2022, and is also part of the Guatemala squad. FC Cincinnati Homegrown signing Arquimides Ordóñez rounds out the quartet of players, bringing his professional experience to the team.

The inclusion of the Dominican Republic at the World Cup offers a huge platform for several other players based in the USA. Representing the Ivy League, Dartmouth defender Sebastian Manon is part of the roster. He made 13 appearances in the fall as a freshman. A pair of Inter Miami players also earned the call, as defender Israel Boatwright is set to play, along with Edison Azcona, who is signed to an MLS deal. Goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, also signed to Houston Dynamo, is making the trip as well.

Rounding out the Concacaf teams is Honduras. Geremy Rodas is on loan with Minnesota United 2 in MLS NEXT Pro and earned the call. Midfielder David Ruiz, who recently signed a Homegrown contract with Inter Miami, will play for the Honduran squad as well.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Juan Castilla earned a spot on the Colombia roster, after he helped his country earn a spot at this competition.

Related Topics: Big Ten, Ivy League, Pacific 12