Sudamericano U20 2025/26

The South American U-20 Championship, branded as CONMEBOL Sub 20, serves as the premier youth football tournament for men's national teams in the continent. Conceived in 1954 and initiated by the Venezuelan Football Federation, the competition has evolved significantly over its seven-decade history. Originally an Under-19 event running until 1975, it shifted to its current Under-20 age limit the following year.

The structure divides the ten CONMEBOL member nations into two groups of five. The top three sides from each group advance to a final round-robin stage, which determines the champion through total points rather than knockout finals. This format ensures every team plays multiple matches against each other in the decisive phase. The tournament operates as the official qualification pathway for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the leading four or five nations securing berths.

Brazil stands as the most successful nation, having claimed 13 titles. The Seleção retained the crown in 2025, defeating Uruguay in the final stage to secure their latest victory. The 2025 edition marked a change in venue, hosted in Venezuela after Peru was stripped of its hosting duties. The competition also saw a significant disruption in 2021 when the pandemic forced a cancellation.

While the senior Copa América serves as the continental championship for full national sides, this youth tournament remains a standalone biennial event. It maintains a distinct identity from the South American U-23 Championship, which qualifies teams for the Summer Olympics under an older age limit. The focus remains firmly on developing young talent within the region, providing a critical stepping stone for players aiming for international recognition.