Ghana, who were the closest African side to winning the trophy when they lost to Brazil in the 1993 final in Australia, are up against European champions France when the World Under-20 championship starts in June.

They also meet Paraguay, who were surprisingly strong in finishing third in the South American event in January, and outsiders Iran.

Thursday's draw for the World Under-20 championship, to be played in Argentina between June 17 and July 8:

Group A (venue Buenos Aires) Argentina, Finland, Egypt, Jamaica.

Group B (Cordoba): Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Canada.

Group C (Mendoza): Chile, China, Ukraine, United States

Group D (Rosario): Angola, Czech Republic, Japan, Australia

Group E (Salta): Ecuador, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Ethiopia

Group F (Mar del Plata): Paraguay, Ghana, Iran, France

(BBC) Angola should have high hopes of making a good impression at their first World Youth Championship after avoiding many of the big names at the draw in Argentina.

The young Palancas Negras will take on Asian runners-up Japan, customary Oceania champions Australia and the Czech Republic, who were only fourth in last summer's under-19 European Championship.

Egypt have to tackle host nation Argentina, but will hope to edge out Finland and Jamaica.

Ethiopia are rank outsiders after making the most of altitude when they hosted the African Championship in Addis Ababa in March, and they must play the Netherlands, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Two teams from each of the six first-round groups go through to the second round, along with the best four of the third-placed teams.

The competition starts on June 17, and the final is in Buenos Aires on July 8.