FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011

I happened to be watching TV at a Colombian friend’s house one night last month when the live drawing occurred for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia.

This is one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world, because as we all know, the superstars of the sport often start at a very young age — many going professional before the age of 20.

2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia

This year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup runs from July 29 to August 20, 2011 and there are 8 host cities in Colombia, including:

• Bogotá (location of final match)
• Medellin (location of one semi-final match)
• Cali
• Cartagena
• Barranquilla
• Armenia
• Pereira
• Manizales

Watching the official video trailer below, I feel a twinge of pride in being able to recognize most of the places.  I’ve spent time in 6 of the 8 cities, and have called Medellin (my second) home since 2009.

Speaking of Medellin, the timing of the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia corresponds with this year’s Feria de las Flores, which means added insanity and activities in the City of the Eternal Spring.

Medellin is playing host to some of the top teams in the world for the first round, including Argentina, England, Mexico, and Korea DPR.  Well at least the first two are perennial favorites.

In 2009, I went to several soccer matches in Medellin, including a World Cup Qualifier against Peru.

This year, I’m thinking of going to the Argentina v Mexico match at 7:30 pm on Friday, July 29th, or better yet the Argentina v England match at 8 pm on Monday, August 1.

Click here to view the full group schedule for all cities and teams.

The pricing for tickets is very good, especially for the first round, which is probably on purpose to ensure as many people are able to attend the games as possible.

For example, the best seats for an opening round match (along the sideline) are 54,000 COP, or about $30.

Are you planning to attend any of the matches?