Ukraine and France joined Italy and Portugal in securing their berths for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 after finishing in the top two places in Group B at this year’s UEFA European U-19 Championship in Finland.
The Ukrainians topped the group with an undefeated record of two wins and a draw, with Monday’s 1-0 victory over Turkey ensuring their passage to the tournament semi-finals, according to FIFA.
France advanced to the last four at Finland 2018 as Group B runners-up following a pair of convincing 5-0 results against Turkey and defending U-20 World Cup and European U-19 champions England.
Poland 2019 will be Ukraine’s fourth appearance at a U-20 World Cup. On their three previous occasions at the global finals (2001, 2005 and 2015), Ukraine reached the Round of 16.
France will be making their seventh U-20 World Cup appearance next year, having lifted the trophy back in 2013. Les Bleuets also featured in previous editions of the competition back in 1977, 1997, 2001, 2011 and 2017.
Ukraine meet Portugal while Italy will face France in Thursday’s semi-finals at Finland 2018.
England will have one last opportunity to secure their world finals spot and a chance to defend their U-20 World Cup title when they face Norway in a play-off on Thursday.
