USA -20 vs France -20 Prediction & Picks - U20 World Cup

Prediction published on 10/2/25, 12:59 PM  by Tyler Doty in Soccer Picks

Matchday 2 in Group E of the U-20 World Cup, with a direct duel for the lead between the United States and France, two teams expected to be in the upper rounds but with very different paths at the start. 

The US team arrives with sky-high confidence after thrashing New Caledonia 9-1 in their opening game, a score that puts them in the lead thanks to a huge goal difference that gives them a strategic advantage. In recent months, the US has had more competitive experience than its rival, with friendlies against Norway, Japan, and Morocco that have helped them fine-tune details, albeit with a few setbacks. Even so, the CONCACAF-led team is coming off a continental final against Mexico, which proves that this group has the competitive level and experience in high-pressure matches. In addition, the recent history between the two sides reflects a certain advantage for the Americans, who have won three of the last six direct clashes against France since 2018, a significant statistic in terms of confidence for this match. 

The French team comes into this match with three points after beating South Africa on the first day, but without making as convincing an impact as their rivals. Their preparation for this tournament has been much more limited, with only two friendlies in 2025,  a defeat against Japan and a narrow victory over Mexico, which leaves doubts about their competitive rhythm. In addition, the memory of the 2023 World Cup still weighs heavily, as France did not even make it past the group stage, being eliminated by theoretically inferior opponents. To make matters worse, in this context, a draw may not be enough, given the huge goal cushion that the United States has, forcing France to take more risks and seek a victory that does not seem easy given their recent results.