16 Mar 2017

Sport: Vanuatu handed tough draw for U20 World Cup

10:27 am on 16 March 2017

Vanuatu have been drawn to face Germany, Mexico and Venezuela in their FIFA Under 20 World Cup debut in May.

The Melanesian side will be making their debut appearance tat a FIFA World Cup tournament, after finishing runners-up at the Oceania Under 20 Championship in September.

Vanuatu celebrate qualifying for the 2017 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Korea.

Vanuatu celebrate qualifying for the 2017 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Korea. Photo: OFC via Phototek

Etienne Mermer's side will take on Mexico in their first match in Group B at the World Cup Stadium in Daejeon, South Korea on May 20.

Next up is Venezuela at the same venue three days later, followed by their final group match against European giants Germany at the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo on May 26.

Vanuatu are hoping for more reasons to celebrate at the OFC Under 20 Championship.

Vanuatu and New Zealand will represent Oceania at the Under 20 World Cup. Photo: OFC via Phototek

Oceania champions New Zealand have been pitted against France, Honduras and debutants Vietnam in Group E, following Wednesday's draw ceremony in Suwon.

Hosts South Korea will play the opening match of the tournament against Guinea.

The 2017 tournament will be the first time two teams from Oceania have qualified for the main draw on merit.

New Zealand qualified automatically for the 2015 event as the host nation, reaching the Round of 16, with Fiji joining them, after winning the Oceania Championship.