Infantino confirms Argentina are in the lead to host the U-20 World Cup

March 31 - Argentina are favorites to host the U-20 World Cup which FIFA withdrew from Indonesia due to the country's hostility to finalists Israel. The South American country has submitted an official bid to host the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday.

"We all know Argentine football and surely it can host a competition of this level," Infantino told a press conference in Paraguay.

"There are other countries that have also announced their interest but as a candidate, with government guarantees and other details, Argentina is the first and we will make the decision in two or three days ."

The FIFA Bureau is expected to make the decision, but Infantino could shed more light on the future host of the Conmebol Congress he will attend on Friday.

FIFA has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights after the country's football federation (PSSI) said it canceled the draw because the governor of the island of Bali refused to host the Israel team. The intervention was embarrassing for FIFA and Indonesia.

Zurich wants to hold the Youth World Cups on an annual basis, but is struggling to properly organize the U-20 and U-17 World Cups, which are due to take place in Peru this year. Indonesia viewed the tournament as a reputation-building exercise after the stadium stampede killed 135 fans, but instead the debacle further tarnished the country's image in football.

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