Colombia secured third place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over France in the third-place match at Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile. Oscar Perea scored the lone goal just two minutes into the game. The win marks Colombia's second bronze medal in the tournament's history, repeating their 2003 achievement.
Match Summary
The third-place match kicked off on October 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Colombia struck early when Oscar Perea capitalized on a quick recovery in the attacking third to score at the 2-minute mark, giving his team a 1-0 lead that held throughout.
France pushed for an equalizer, nearly leveling in the 24th minute when Fode Sylla's shot was blocked by a Colombian defender. The French side had penalty appeals denied at the 43rd and 84th minutes after VAR reviews.
Key Events and Substitutions
- 28': Yellow card to Colombia's Joel Romero.
- 36': France's Fode Sylla substituted due to injury for Mayssam Benama.
- 45'+2': Yellow card to Colombia's Julian Bazan.
- Halftime: Colombia 1-0.
- 46': Colombia substitutions - Julian Bazan and Yeimar Mosquera out for Luis Landazuri and Weimar Palacios.
- 55': Yellow card to France's Tadjidine Mmadi.
- 59': Colombia's Royner Benítez missed a one-on-one chance.
- 66': Substitutions - Colombia's Royner Benítez for Emilio Aristizábal; France's Tadjidine Mmadi for Gabin Bernardeau.
- 88': Yellow card to Colombia's Elkin Rivero.
Colombia's defense remained solid, denying France's chances. Striker Neyser Villarreal, returning from suspension with five tournament goals, featured in the lineup.
Tournament Paths
Colombia reached the match after a 1-0 semifinal loss to Argentina. Their path included group stage results: 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia, 0-0 draw with Norway, 1-1 draw with Nigeria; 3-1 round-of-16 win over South Africa; 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Spain.
France advanced following a 1-1 semifinal draw with Morocco, lost on penalties (4-5). Their results: group stage 2-1 win over South Africa, 0-3 loss to USA, 6-0 win over New Caledonia; 0-0 round-of-16 draw with Japan (won in extra time); 2-1 quarterfinal win over Norway.
Under coach Cesar Torres, Colombia finished third for the second time, while France placed fourth, matching their 2011 result.