The FIFA U-20 World Cup is underway, a tournament that always promises the emergence of future stars in global soccer. France open their campaign against South Africa and need their best young talents, but one absence is particularly notable: Desire Doue.

Bernard Diomede’s players aim to follow in the footsteps of Pogba, Thauvin, Digne, Areola, and Umtiti, who lifted the U-20 World Cup in 2013. That generation went on to become World Cup champions at the senior level in 2018, showing how this tournament can shape future success.

France’s group looks favorable on paper, given their stature as one of the world’s elite national sides. The team has spent years building a reputation as one of the strongest programs in international soccer, and expectations are naturally high heading into this

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