Colombia vs. Argentina: history, rivalry and duels in the U-20 World Cup

The Colombia National Team and Argentina They refine details for the crucial duel next Wednesday October 15in the semifinals of the U-20 World Cupwhich will be the third confrontation between the two in this competition. What is the history of crosses between these National Teams?

The Tricolor combo arrives at this commitment without knowing defeatwith three wins and two draws along the way. Argentina, for its part, also remains undefeated and does so at an overwhelming pace: five victories in five games.

This year, Both teams faced each other in the South American U-20 Championship 2025, where Argentina came out better: they tied 1-1 in the group stage and then the Albiceleste won 1-0 in the final phase, with a goal from Ian Subiabre.

How many times did they play Argentina vs. Colombia in the U-20 World Cup?

Colombia and Argentina They will meet again in a U-20 World Cup for the third time in history. The antecedents go back to the editions of 2003 and 2005tournaments that left memorable encounters between both youth teams.

2003, the match with which Colombia reached the podium

In the 2003 U-20 World Cup, both teams faced each other in the third place match. Colombia arrived after losing in the semifinals against Spain, while Argentina had been defeated in the South American classic against Brazil.

The match took place on December 19 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and ended with a 2-1 victory for the Tricolor team. The Colombian goals were the work of ‘El Alpinito’ Carrillo and Jaime Castrillón, while Osmar Ferreyra scored for Argentina.

2005, Argentina’s revenge with Messi, scorer on the field

In the 2005 World Cup, both the Tricolor and the Albiceleste They met in the round of 16although with different realities. Colombia was the leader of Group E with 9 points, after beating Syria, Italy and Canada. Argentina, on the other hand, finished second in its group with 6 points, adding two wins and one loss.

Prior to that World Cup duel, history also records two draws between Colombia and Argentina in the 2005 South American U-20: both matches ended 1-1, one in the group stage and the other in the final phase, reflecting the parity that has historically characterized the matches between these two youth teams.

The coffee combo At that time it had several footballers who would later become figures from the senior team, such as Radamel Falcao, Hugo Rodallega, Dayro Moreno, Camilo Zúñiga, Abel Aguilar, Fredy Guarín and David Ospina.

For its part, the Argentine cast lined up players who would also reach the elite of world football, highlighting names such as Lionel MessiPablo Zabaleta, Óscar Ustari, Lucas Biglia, Ezequiel Garay and Fernando Gago.

The quality and potential of the players of both teams They predicted a very even confrontationwith real chances of victory for either team.

Colombia took the lead in the 52nd minute Thanks to Harrison Otálvaro, who appeared from the left, he surpassed the rival goalkeeper, entered the area and defined with a powerful shot from his right foot.

Argentina responded quickly six minutes later, when Lionel Messifrom the left side, made a wall with Cardozo. He returned the ball inside the area so that the ’10’ scored with his left foot and tied the score.

In the final moments of the match, at minute 90+3, the Albiceleste achieved victory thanks to a great goal from Julio Alberto Barroso, who surprised with a powerful shot from outside the area with his left leg, the least dominant.

Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals, maintained a solid performance throughout the tournament and reached the final, where they became champions after beating Nigeria, thus crowning a memorable path in that U-20 World Cup.

When do Colombia vs. play? Argentina in the semifinals of the U-20 World Cup?

Colombia and Argentina will face each other on Wednesday October 15 at 20:00 (ARG/CHI/URU), 18:00 (COL/PER/ECU).